Near Rapidan Road, on the left when traveling west.
“Here is peace and quietude.”- President Herbert Hoover Shortly after his election in 1928, Herbert C. Hoover and his wife, Lou Henry, expressed the desire for a weekend retreat – a place where they could find respite . . . — — Map (db m45639) HM
Near Rapidan Road, on the right when traveling west.
The first permanent structure was actually built around five wooden floored tents. The roof, partitions, fireplace, porch, windows, and doors were then constructed until nothing remained of the original tents except the name. Herbert Hoover, Jr. . . . — — Map (db m45628) HM
Near Rapidan Road, on the left when traveling west.
We discussed the proposed camp as we explored . . . . Conditions necessitate A Rather biggish establishment - Lou Henry Hoover, describing the future Rapidan Camp, 1929 I have discovered that even the work of the government can be improved . . . — — Map (db m45677) HM
On Skyline Drive (at milepost 50.7), on the left when traveling south.
Hollows cut into the face of the mountain are the work of the streams that flow through them. Down Dark Hollow flows Hog Camp Branch which drains Big Meadows Swamp. Along the Dark Hollow Trail you may see how the stream works to cut its valley . . . — — Map (db m45696) HM
Near Rapidan Road, on the left when traveling west.
Many famous individuals were invited to visit the President’s retreat on the Rapidan River. Among these was Charles A. Lindbergh, the first aviator to fly non-stop from New York to Paris, France in 1927. Lindbergh donated the large parchment lamp . . . — — Map (db m45670) HM
Near Story of the Forrest Trail, on the right when traveling east.
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to get better. It’s Not. - The Lorax, Dr. Seuss Every living thing is affected by what’s in the air. To protect and improve air quality, it’s vital to know . . . — — Map (db m96223) HM
On Skyline Drive (at milepost 51), on the right when traveling south.
Between 1933 and 1942 more than 10,000 young men served in the Civilian Conservation Corps camps in Shenandoah National Park, These “boys” created the form and fabric of the new park so that future generations could find recreation and . . . — — Map (db m45703) HM
Near Rapidan Road, on the left when traveling west.
Hemlock Run, the small artificial stream that flowed through the cabin area was created by a small diversion dam. This dam was built upstream from the cabin area across Laurel Prong. Laurel Prong and Mill Prong join just below the President’s Cabin . . . — — Map (db m45627) HM
On Skyline Drive, on the left when traveling south.
Six Civilian Conservation Corps camps in the area which became Shenandoah National Park were at Big Meadows, Skyland, Pinnacles, Piney River, Baldface, and Dundo from 1933 to 1942. Camp Fechner, near here, was named in honor of Robert Fechner, . . . — — Map (db m13247) HM
Near Rapidan Road, on the left when traveling west.
Presidential Aids who were stationed at the camp say that this fireplace was mainly used for outdoor photographs. When reporters and authors wanted pictures of the Chief Executive and his guests they were often posed here. Logs, used for benches, . . . — — Map (db m45626) HM
Near Rapidan Fire Road, on the left when traveling west.
Blue indicates Roads, trails, and structures – 1930s Red indicates Roads, trails and structures – now Rapidan’s Original Structures Five Tents (blue) – the first structure built; ruins still visible today Trails End (blue) . . . — — Map (db m45646) HM
Near Rapidan Road, on the left when traveling west.
Trout fishing was the chief pastime at the camp. Other diversions were horseback riding, horseshoe pitching, hiking and working puzzles. Above, is the recreation area adjacent to Town Hall. Below, Richey and Boone work on a jig-saw puzzle. — — Map (db m45662) HM
Near Rapidan Road, on the left when traveling west.
The Creel was occupied by two of President Hoover’s Chief Aids, Larry Richey, a former F.B.I. agent, was assigned to guard the President and became his personal “secretary” or manager. He assumed great responsibility for the detailed . . . — — Map (db m45619) HM
Near Rapidan Road, on the left when traveling west.
The photograph below shows one of several tables in the Mess Hall. Almost everyone ate their meals at the central dining room. This allowed more time for fishing and other outdoor recreation. The rug is of straw matting, in contrast to the Navajo . . . — — Map (db m45660) HM
Near Rapidan Road, on the right when traveling west.
Although Camp Hoover was rustic, it was comfortably furnished with a mixture of styles. The Hoovers had many Navajo rugs which they used throughout their cabin. Above is a sunporch and below the Hoovers’ bedrooms. — — Map (db m45612) HM
Near Rapidan Road, on the right when traveling west.
Prime Minister Ramsey McDonald of England was a frequent guest of President Hoover. The “Press” of that day popularly envisioned these two peace loving leaders sitting on a log in the Camp Hoover area scrapping the navies of the world. . . . — — Map (db m45616) HM
Near Rapidan Road, on the left when traveling west.
Town Hall was the center for Executive Meetings and social activities here at Camp Hoover. The two stone fireplaces were kept burning during chilly evenings. The President and his guests furnished brilliant conversation nightly on a wide variety of . . . — — Map (db m45668) HM
Near Rapidan Road, on the left when traveling west.
The large porch on Town Hall was also given the same name as the cabin. Guests liked the informal gatherings held here when mild weather permitted. The babble of Hemlock Run encouraged everyone to join in the conversations, discussions, and debates. . . . — — Map (db m45666) HM
