Prince William Forest Park contains over 45 old family cemeteries, including the one pictured here. Most are hidden away in the forest and long forgotten. The land in the park was once home to three small communities named Hickory Ridge, Joplin and Batestown. There were also two mines--the Greenwood gold mine and Cabin Branch pyrite mine. There were many small family farms, including tobacco farms, until the 1930s when the government purchased the land.
When the leaves have fallen, it's easy to see the old road beds. In Spring, daffodils give away the location of old homestead sites. Despite knowing this park so well, I have located only five of the more than 45 cemeteries here.
So much beauty & history....I envy you, so much to see & do where you live! This is a beautiful example...I would love to spend some time here exploring! :)
@bluemoon Thanks, Paula! This photo project is reawakening my interest in exploring the area more. I know this particular park and cemetery very well, but have never photographed it until now.
It's so interesting to explore old cemeteries and wonder about the lives that were lived. You can gather a lot of history that way and see sometimes how harsh life could be in the early 1900 and before.
Good peaceful picture.
Your photos capture a long gone way of life that is such a part of our country's history. It's fascinating to see these images in your album and read your commentaries.
@carolyns I agree that its great to explore old cemeteries, Carolyn. This particular cemetery appears to be well cared for and visited often by family members. I'd love to visit with some of the family about their history on this land.
@davydo Thanks, Dave! I purposely left the main road to go on the old sunken road bed to capture the way the cemetery looks from the old, original approach.
@eyesmile Thanks, Gena. One of the cemeteries I came upon was completely overgrown, but still had the black wrought iron fencing around it. It was beautiful. I'd have trouble finding it again. It's not on any of the main trails. You have to "off road" it to find the site.
Good peaceful picture.