CONTENT WARNING
Materials in the Library of Virginia’s collections contain historical terms, phrases, and images that are offensive to modern readers. These include demeaning and dehumanizing references to race, ethnicity, and nationality; enslaved or free status; physical and mental ability; and gender and sexual orientation.
Context
In 1924, the federal government began looking for land in the southern Appalachian Mountains to create a large national park which would be easily accessible to cars and hikers. Shenandoah National Park opened in 1936 and was officially completed in 1939. The creation of the park represented the largest case of eminent domain use in Virginia's history. Eminent domain enables the government to take private property for public use. It is authorized through the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution which states that no "private property [shall] be taken for public use, without just compensation." The amount or type of compensation, however, is not always easy to determine.
In 1928, Virginia's General Assembly passed the Public Park Condemnation Act in order to quickly purchase land in the state for the national park. The government acquired the homes and farms of more than 450 families in the Blue Ridge Mountains. While many families sold their land voluntarily, some resisted. Some people barricaded themselves in their homes, while others appeared in court. Robert H. Via, an Albemarle County farmer, sued the state government in an attempt to keep his land and apple orchards. His lawyers argued that the seizure violated the Fourteenth Amendment's due-process clause, but a three-judge panel ruled against him in 1935 and the U.S. Supreme Court dismissed his case.
This guide map shows some of the first park boundaries, ranger stations, trails, and more of the Shenandoah National Park in 1937. At the time the map was made, the park was composed of about 190,000 acres. Today the park has grown to about 200,000 acres and is one of the most popular parks in the country. of donated and state-purchased land. Virginia later used eminent domain to acquire the land for Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Citation: 1937 Guide Map of Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, 1937, Map Accession 5619, 5620, Special Collections, Library of Virginia.
Standards
Science: 3.8, 4.3, 4.8, 6.9, ES.6, ES.8, ENV.9
Suggested Questions
Preview Activity
Look at It: Look at the map. In which part of Virginia is it located? Why do you think this area was selected for a national park?
Post Activities
Up For Debate: The transformation of the Blue Ridge Mountain area in the Shenandoah National Park was achieved using eminent domain to buy private property from individuals. To what extent do you feel this was a just or unjust act? Defend your answer.
STEM STAT: Using the legend found at the bottom of the map, identify the locations of the fire lookouts and ranger stations. Why do think these structures are necessary? Why were they placed in those location in the national park? Think of the topography and uses of the national park.
STEM STAT: Consider what happened to the region with the introduction of so many vehicles. What do you think were the effects on the natural habitat?