| Abstract |
"Big Meadows is one of four original multi-use developments constructed along the 105-mile Skyline Drive, a National Historic Landmark that winds along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains through the length of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Shenandoah National Park was one of two national parks in the southern Appalachians authorized by Congress in 1926 and established in the 1930s (Figure 0.1). The 440-acre Big Meadows site is situated at milepost 51 of Skyline Drive, with most of the developed area located on the northwest side of the road and a large, open meadow on the southeast side (Figure 0.2).^The development is composed of five historic sub-areas arranged along an access road that include a wayside and visitor center area, picnic grounds, lodge and cabin area, campground, and maintenance area, as well as two non-historic sub-areas consisting of a wastewater treatment facility and employee residences.^A series of spurs and interior loop roads provide access to these areas. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed the picnic grounds, campground, and maintenance area, including buildings, roadways, parking areas, trails, comfort stations, drinking fountains, log guardrails, boulder bollards, and fireplaces. More recent site furnishings have been introduced in the picnic grounds replacing original CCC work, including picnic tables and grills.^The park concessionaire constructed the Big Meadows Lodge along with the Wayside building and guest cabins, following the rustic style developed by the National Park Service to design and build structures that blend into the landscape using native materials and traditional construction methods. Additional buildings have been built since the period of significance (1931 to 1952), most notably the Byrd Visitor Center adjacent to the Wayside.^Built as part of the National Park Service Mission-66 program, the Visitor Center features interpretive exhibits and other amenities. Development since the period of significance also includes several employee residences and guest accommodations, an amphitheater, a wastewater treatment plant, and expanded camping facilities"-- Provided by publisher. |
