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Booker T Washington National Monument

Hardy, VA

On April 5, 1856, a child who later called himself Booker T. Washington, was born in slavery on this 207-acre tobacco farm. The realities of life as a slave in piedmont Virginia, the quest by African Americans for education and equality, and the post-war struggle over political participation all shaped the options and choices of Booker T. Washington. Washington founded Tuskegee Institute in Alabama in 1881 and later became an important and controversial leader of his race at a time when increasing racism in the United States made it necessary for African Americans to adjust themselves to a new era of legalized oppression. Visitors are invited to step back in time and experience firsthand the life and landscape of people who lived in an era when slavery was part of the fabric of American life.

CONTACTS

Email - BOWA_Rangers_3@nps.gov

Fax- 540-721-8311

Write to
12130 Booker T. Washington Highway
Hardy, VA 24101

Phone
- 540-721-2094

TRAVEL BASICS

Operating Hours, Seasons
Open seven days a week, year-round, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1.

Getting There
PLANE - Air service is available to both Roanoke, VA (25 miles from the park) and Lynchburg, VA (50 miles from the park).

CAR - The park is located in Franklin County, VA, 16 miles northeast of Rocky Mount, VA via VA 40E and VA 122N; 25 miles southeast of Roanoke, VA via US 220S, VA 40E, and VA 122N; and 50 miles southwest of Lynchburg, VA via US 460W and VA 122S.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - Public transportation to the park is not available. A personal or rental vehicle is required.

Weather & Climate
The summer months are hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. The coldest months are December, January and February. The spring and fall seasons have moderate temperatures. Wear comfortable sportswear appropriate to the season, with walking shoes. Trails are unpaved and may be muddy at times.

Accessibility
Visitor center facilities and the historic area are partially accessible to people in wheelchairs. Two picnic tables are accessible. One wheelchair is available for free loan on a first-come, first-served basis.

Getting Around
All trails are limited to pedestrian traffic.

FEES/PERMITS

Entrance Fee
PARK
Free!
There is no admission fee.

Activity Fee
SCHOOL/OTHER GROUP TOURS
Free!
Reservations for school/group tours should be made as far in advance as possible, especially for the most popular school tour seasons, mid-March to mid-June and September through October. For additional information concerning reservations, call (540) 721-2094.

Special Use Permits
GENERAL
$25.00 for One Time
For additional information concerning special use or commercial filming permits, call (540) 721-2094.

FACILITIES

Visitor Centers
BOOKER T. WASHINGTON NM
Open All Year 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Phone - 540-721-2094
Location - On VA Route 122 in Franklin County, Virginia.
Closures - Closed Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1.
Special Programs - A link to the current Calendar of Events is available on the Home Page of this website.
Exhibits - "The Great Educator" is a permanent exhibit that describes in words and pictures Washington's growth from slave to student and his evolution from founder and Principal of Tuskegee Institute to the most powerful African American at the turn of the 20th century.
Available Facilities - In the visitor center there are exhibits, a 12-minute orientation video program, a bookstore, restrooms, and water fountain. The Eastern National bookstore offers a wide range of titles and educational items on African American, regional, and Virginia history, as well as crafts and children's books.

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