Tuesday March 21, 2023
Although the names of the two places I visited today may suggest gloom and darkness nothing could be further from my experience as the first full day of spring dawned bright, warm and calm. I traveled 186 miles (299 km) from Suffolk, VA to Raleigh, NC. with visits to Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Preserve and Historical Oakwood Cemetery.
There are many National Wildlife Preserves in this region and, I must confess, the name drew me to this one. All tend to be havens of peace in beautiful natural surroundings and I did not see another visitor during my 90 minutes there but I discovered that this preserve also has historical significance as part of the Underground Railroad, the routes that were taken to freedom by enslaved people who were attempting to escape from their owners. This area, together with swamps in Louisiana and Florida, were natural hiding places and communities of desperate people formed to mutually aid each other and receive help from supportive outsiders. It’s thought that these communities also included Native Americans fleeing from forced relocation by white settlers. This was called Marronage and the people in the community were called Maroons. There is a “pavilion” with explanatory displays and room for presentations by rangers near the entrance to the swamp.
The preserve has an auto tour to Drummond Lake, which is the largest natural lake in Virginia, and has a new pier memorializing the Maroons and those who helped them.
I was able to take a walk along a couple of boardwalk trails but there seemed to be little wildlife around. The swamp is the winter resting place of millions of migratory birds but, today, the air was silent. Not encountering wildlife may be a blessing as the swamp is also home to one of the largest populations of black bears in the east.
Much of the drive to Raleigh was on small roads in pleasant surroundings and was delightful. When I arrived I stopped at the Historic Oakwood Cemetery for a walk to stretch my legs. Although there are no Presidents or entertainment icons buried here I enjoyed an hour of peace in the warm sun and beautiful surroundings.
Fascinating account, dear Steve. Good thing no encounter with black bears!
Thanks. Black bears were not on my “must see” list 🙂
Hi Steve
Just catching up having been away in the Lake District (not driving at present pending cataract operation). If I can persuade you to Liverpool later in the year, I can offer the Huskisson memorial – a plinth with no statue – and a Maritime Museum ($1 cheaper than yours). I’m beginning to wonder if my trip from Cherokee NC to Petersburg VA in 2007 (444 miles – my longest drive ever) missed out the odd interesting sight.
Phil
You can definitely persuade me to visit Liverpool later this year as I’ll be in the UK late May to Mid June. I expect to be passing close to Cherokee on my way back to Washington and will be looking for interesting stops so I may be able to provide some context for your doubts then.
Cheers, Steve
no on the black bear “experience”!
A definite NO!
This looks so clam and peaceful!! Are you having any good food along the way?
It was very relaxing. Not as much healthy food as I would have liked and mostly “pub grub”
Haven’t been to Raleigh but enjoyed Durham (especially the Bulls game!) and Charlotte.
I’ve also visited Durham and Charlotte before which is why I chose to do a couple of things in Raleigh this time.