Near Clifftop in Fayette County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Camp Washington-Carver

Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 14, 2019

1. Camp Washington-Carver Marker

Inscription. Camp named for Booker T. Washington (1856-1915) and George Washington Carver (1864-1943). Land deeded for sum of $5.00 by Charles and Kathryn Midelburg. Constructed 1939-1942 by local WPA labor with materials found on site including stone and native chestnut. Operated by West Virginia State College as Negro 4-H Camp, 1942-1957. In 1979, Legislature transferred to Department of Culture and History.

Erected 1980 by West Virginia Department of Culture and History.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work • Notable Places • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the West Virginia Archives and History series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1939.

Location. 38° 0.457′ N, 80° 58.194′ W. Marker is near Clifftop, West Virginia, in Fayette County. Marker is on Camp Carver Road (Local Route 11/3) 1.2 miles west of Clifftop Road (County Route 11), on the right when traveling north. It is at the parking area for the camp, at the gate, which is about 2 miles from State Route 41. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Danese WV 25831, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured

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as the crow flies. Camp Washington Carver (a few steps from this marker); Andrew & Charles Lewis March (approx. 3.3 miles away); Spy Rock (approx. 4.3 miles away); Visiting Nuttallburg (approx. 4.3 miles away); Exploring Nuttallburg (approx. 4.6 miles away); Segregated Coal Town (approx. 4.6 miles away); Nuttallburg and Short Creek (approx. 4.7 miles away); A Building Evolves (approx. 4.8 miles away).

Also see . . .
1. Camp Washington Carver Complex - National Register of Historic Places Inventsay-Nsminatisn Form. West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History website entry:
“Camp Washington-Carver is a beautiful retreat listed on the National Register of Historic Places. More than 10,000 people attended events this year at the camp, which serves as the state’s mountain cultural arts center. Each season features events chosen to preserve the arts and traditions of yesterday while perpetuating those of today. The facility nurtures the cultural heritage embodied in the site since its dedication in 1942 as a 4-H camp for West Virginia's African-American youth. Programs like the African-American Heritage Arts Camp and the Appalachian String Band Festival, along with the camp’s Great Chestnut Lodge, the largest log structure of its kind in the world, make this site a favorite place for Mountain State festivities.” (Submitted on August 20, 2019.)

Camp Washington-Carver Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 14, 2019

2. Camp Washington-Carver Markers

2. Video: Camp Washington Carver - Forging Ahead Preserving WV’s Story. A 14 minute video on the history of the camp. (Submitted on August 20, 2019.)

Camp Washington-Carver Entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 14, 2019

3. Camp Washington-Carver Entrance

The sign reads, “Camp Washington-Carver, operated by the Department of Education and the Arts, Division of Culture and History.”

Camp Washington-Carver Marker Main Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, November 27, 2021

4. Camp Washington-Carver Marker Main Building

Credits. This page was last revised on January 23, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 20, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 374 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 20, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 4. submitted on November 27, 2021, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photos of camp buildings, facilities, and events • Can you help?