As part of a new initiative, Virginia State Parks is using GPS technology to redesign our trail maps to more accurately reflect current conditions. In the past trail maps were hand drawn and trail names did not always accurately reflect the bio-diversity or cultural history of the park.
As a result of the GPS intiative at False Cape State Park, after numerous meetings with park staff on naming the trails, and due to the construction of the new Visitor Center, visitors will find it easier to navigate the trails around False Cape.
In the coming months, we will be changing the names of some of the trails, installing new trail signage, and printing a new trail map. Please bear with us as we make these changes. Our goal is make it easier for you to explore the park’s natural area and shoreline.
During our research we found some interesting information about the park…
Did you know…
In 1863, confederate soldiers who were being held prisoner on the troop-transport steamer, Maple Leaf, escaped onto the shores of what is now False Cape State Park. The 70 escapees trekked over the dunes, slogged through marshes and bogs, and finally rejoined their battalion in Currituck County. The Maple Leaf ran aground near Jacksonville, Florida in 1864 and became an important archaeological site when it was found by divers in 1980. Visit http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/flshipwrecks/map.htm more information on the Maple Leap.
The original name of the area where the park is located is “Sand Ridge.” We think that as the area gained in popularity as a tourist destination, the name was contracted and changed to “Sandbridge.”
There were numerous duck hunting clubs located in what is now False Cape State Park. One of the most popular was the “Vir-Mar Club” the short name for the Virginia-Maryland Duck Hunting Club. Gentleman sportsman would come out to Back Bay to hunt a variety of ducks, including wood ducks, widgeon, teal, bufflehead, and pintails.
If you know more about the history of the park or have some photos, books, and stories to share, please contact Staci Martin at [email protected].