False Cape State Park is the Nation’s Newest Civil War Trails Site
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Almost six miles beyond the parking lot, over a dune, past the primitive campground and within eyeshot of the breaking surf is one of the most remote Civil War Trails sites in the nation. Visitors who hike or bike to the location will be standing in the footsteps of over 70 prisoners of war who managed to land right there in 1863. This is also the first Civil War Trails site in Virginia Beach.
Civil War Trails is a multi-state tourism initiative which offers over 1,530 sites for travelers across six states including over 570 in Virginia. However, False Cape just might be the most unique.
“The Maple Leaf Escape has always been labelled as a point of interest on our trail map,” said Rachel Harrington, chief ranger of visitor experience at False Cape State Park. “Now having a physical marker at the location enables us to preserve the Civil War history of False Cape and lets park guests explore, learn, and embrace the lessons of courage and unity from this daring account.”
Marketed internationally by a coalition of municipal tourism offices such as Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau and state tourism offices such as Virginia Tourism Corporation, these Civil War Trails amenities enable visitors to not only stand in the footsteps of history, but create their own memories. Last year the program and its partners distributed almost 200,000 map-guides to eager travelers.
“Adventure awaits,” said Drew Gruber, executive director of Civil War Trails, Inc. “As the number of visitors we serve grows larger each year, they are also getting younger and historic hikes, camping, and local cuisine are what they are after and Virginia Beach delivers.”
While each Civil War Trails site enables guests to stand where historic events unfolded as they travel, these guests become part of the local economy. They shop, eat, and stay along the way.
Alexander Smith, marketing strategist for the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau said, “Adding this site to our list of amenities will help drive travel to Sandbridge during the offseason.”
According to Civil War Trails, Inc. their travelers stay an average of 3-4 nights, spending around $1,200 per trip.
The park and Civil War Trails, Inc. are working on a system of directional “trailblazers” to help guests find the remote, but historically accurate location.
Visitors should park at 4005 Sandpiper Rd., Virginia Beach to begin their hike. Tram tours are available seasonally. Be sure to snap a #signselfie and post it with #civilwartrails, #vastateparks, and @visitvirginiabeach.
For more information about visiting, call False Cape State Park at 757-426-7128. Request a free Civil War Trails brochure shipped right to your door at www.civilwartrails.org.
Civil War Trails does great work in keeping the history of the conflict alive.
Thanks David. We couldn’t do it without the support of our partner, generosity of our donors, and the willingness of the site hosts. However, a huge THANK YOU goes out to everyone who snaps and posts a #signselfie. Seeing people out enjoying our program is what makes everything worthwhile.