Driving Through Time - The Digital Blue Ridge Parkway
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About this Item
| Title | History Exhibit |
| Date | September 1958 |
| Description | Image shows a sign that is part of an exhibit at the Peaks of Otter visitor center. The sign is titled "Peaks of Otter - This area has already been a scenic attraction for more than 100 years." The image was taken near milepost 85.9 and Section 1K of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Taken by Donald H. Robinson and Earl W. Estes, Jr. in September 1958. There are various photographs, and interpretive drawings on the sign. The captions with the photographs read as follows: 1. View of the Peaks of Otter - a lithograph by Edward Beyer, published in 1858. 2. Over it sallied war parties of Iroquois and Cherokee Indians. Near the Peaks of Otter, northern limits of the Cherokee, passed connecting trails used by various waring and trading tribes. 3. The Saponi Indians, who remained friendly to the white man, settled on Otter Creek about 1650. 4. Many projectile points and stone objects have been found here. 5. Polly Woods Ordinary operated here from 1834 to 1860. It was a small inn which supplied the "ordinary" needs of travelers. 6. Thousands of people, including Gen. Robt. E. Lee in 1867, have climbed the summit of Sharp Top. The view is particularly impressive at sunrise. 7. Hotel Mons (from Latin mons, mountain) was built at the Peaks of Otter about 1860. It later burned, but was promptly rebuilt and served travelers until 1936. The sign is in a display case with arrowheads and an implement that is labeled as a Cherokee stick-ball bat. |
| Location |
Location Name: Peaks of Otter Visitor Center Parkway Milepost: 85.9
Latitude: 37.445786
Longitude: -79.608097 |
| Creator Individuals |
Earl W. Estes, Jr.
Donald H. Robinson |
| Tags |
Bedford County (Va.)
Exhibitions Interpretive development Peaks of Otter (Va.) Photographs Visitors' centers |
| Credit | Courtesy National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway |
