Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park is the oldest park in the state and is a part of the Civil War Discovery Trail, dedicated in 1929 as a memorial to the men and women who participated in what is thought to be the largest Civil War battle in West Virginia on November 6, 1863. The veterans who took part in that battle fought for the men who had fallen to be memorialized and pressured the legislature to purchase 125 acres in 1927 and an additional 139 acres in 1936 and featured a large observation tower, educational signage, three cabins, two picnic shelters, and a large system of trails and roads.
In addition to becoming the first WV state park, Droop Mountain also supported the first woman and African-American state park caretakers. Sadly, the park’s forests were devastated by the Chestnut blight and a large forest fire. The CCC replanted much of the forested areas and saw great success in returning the area to its original beauty. Unfortunately, the park was poorly maintained through the 70’s and 80’s, but has recently been restored as a memorial that honors the struggles of the brave men who fought there.
Today, you can visit the Droop Mountain Battlefield to hike, camp, and see the reenactments that occur in October every even year. In 2015, the park had an economic significance of $1,067,145.
