Booker T Washington National Monument

By /
Tobacco field being plowed by man with two draft horses
The main crop on the plantation where Booker T. Washington was born was tobacco. This photograph shows a man with draft horses preparing to plow a field.
Back side of kitchen cabin and smokehouse in snow with blue sky and trees
The reconstructed kitchen cabin and smoke house on the farm where Booker T. Washington was born.
Four people dressed as enslaved people in front of the fireplace in cabin
Re-enactors portraying enslaved people in the reconstructed kitchen cabin where Booker T. Washington was born and lived for 9 years.
Reconstructed kitchen cabin where Booker T. Washington was born
Reconstructed kitchen cabin with herb garden
Two re-enactors portraying enslaved people sitting in front of fire inside kitchen cabin
Two re-enactors portraying enslaved people sitting in front of fire inside kitchen cabin
Visitor Center
Visitor Center
Exhibits on outside of visitor center bathrooms
Exhibits on outside of visitor center bathrooms
Booker T. Washington Elementary School (Park Headquarters)
Booker T. Washington Elementary School (Park Headquarters)
Park trail and part of pasture
Park trail and part of pasture
Photos: National Park Service

About Booker T Washington National Monument

Booker T. Washington was born a slave in April 1856 on the 207-acre farm of James Burroughs. After the Civil War, Washington became the first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School. Later as an adviser, author and orator, his past would influence his philosophies as the most influential African American of his era. Come explore his birthplace.

Plan a Visit

NPS DesignationNational Monument
Park State / Territory MembershipVirginia
Current Alerts0
Visitor Centers1
Campgrounds0
Things To Do7

Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.

Weather & Conditions

Please contact the park at 540/682-0173 during inclement weather conditions to find out about closures.

NPS Reference Location

Park state / territory membership: Virginia. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.

Operating Hours

The park grounds and restrooms are open daily from 9:00 am-5:00 pm. Visitor Center Hours: The Visitor Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. The Visitor Center is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Booker T. Washington National Monument will be closed for Thanksgiving Day, December 24 after 2 p.m., December 25 all day, and January 1 all day. The park may close early on December 31. The park closes sometimes due to inclement weather. Call the park at 540-682-0173 for more information.

Friday9:00AM - 5:00PM
Monday9:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday9:00AM - 5:00PM
Sunday9:00AM - 5:00PM
Thursday9:00AM - 5:00PM
Tuesday9:00AM - 5:00PM
Wednesday9:00AM - 5:00PM

Activities

Arts and CultureCraft DemonstrationsCultural DemonstrationsLive MusicFoodPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingHikingLiving HistoryReenactmentsJunior Ranger ProgramPark FilmMuseum Exhibits

Getting There

The monument is located on VA 122 (Booker T. Washington Highway), 22 miles southeast of Roanoke, VA. From I-81 take I-581, then U.S. 220 south from Roanoke to VA 122. From the Blule Ridge Parkway take VA 43 south to VA 122. From Lynchburg take U.S. 460 west to VA 122.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.

NPS-Listed Address12130 Booker T. Washington Highway, Hardy, VA, 24101
Phone5406820173
Emailbowa_rangers_3@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

African American HeritageBirthplaceEnslavementFarming and AgriculturePlantationsMonuments and MemorialsReconstructionSchools and EducationSocial MovementsCivil RightsWars and ConflictsCivil War

Things To Do

Start at the Booker T. Washington Visitor Center

Start at the Booker T. Washington Visitor Center

Begin your visit at the Booker T. Washington Visitor Center. Pick up a park brochure and stamp your Passport to…

Explore Exhibits on Booker T. Washington’s Early Life

Explore Exhibits on Booker T. Washington’s Early Life

The Booker T. Washington Visitor Center offers an in-depth look at life on a small tobacco plantation in Piedmont, Virginia.…

Ring the Bell: A Symbolic Marker of Freedom

Ring the Bell: A Symbolic Marker of Freedom

Booker T. Washington and his family were among the four million enslaved individuals emancipated in Virginia in 1865, following the…

Enjoy a Picnic at Booker T. Washington National Monument

Enjoy a Picnic at Booker T. Washington National Monument

The picnic area at Booker T. Washington National Monument sits on a shaded hillside next to the visitor center parking…

Bring Your Dog for a Walk to Booker T. Washington NM

Bring Your Dog for a Walk to Booker T. Washington NM

Booker T. Washington National Monument in Hardy, Virginia, is dog-friendly and welcomes leashed dogs on the grounds and the Jack-O’-Lantern…