Mary Draper Ingles Cultural Heritage Park
Come explore America’s history at a site that has been designated a Virginia Treasure. Here you’ll discover the story of colonial pioneer Mary Draper Ingles and her experience of the westward migration along the Great Wagon Road, a pathway that saw countless settlers, both free and enslaved, move to build a nation. The history of our country’s transformation continues with the railroad, which shaped the country and the formation of the City of Radford and southwest Virginia.
The 1.3 acres, donated by Norfolk Southern, overlook both the New River and an active rail line, and here you’ll glimpse a location that witnessed some of the most pivotal moments of the 19th century. The park provides a green space to observe and learn about native plants and animals. Picnic tables are available.
Celebrating An American Legend’s Epic Journey
The centerpiece of the park is an eight-foot-tall freestanding bronze statue of Mary Draper Ingles, the remarkable woman who summoned tremendous physical and mental strength to press forward and help build the future of a country. The statue, an original work by artist Matthew Scott Langford, honors the memory of Mary’s survival, courage and determination. Hailing from Ireland, Mary’s family first came to America through Pennsylvania and then settled in southwest Virginia.
In 1755, during the French and Indian War, an American Indian (Shawnee) party raided a New River Valley settlement, capturing Mary and several of her family members. Separated from her family, Mary made a daring escape and followed the Ohio, Kanawha and New rivers, across hundreds of miles of wilderness back to Virginia. Mary lived out her life in Radford where she and her family operated a ferry.
What transpired during this remarkable woman’s life is a story that has been told and retold through books, including the New York Times’ bestseller, “Follow the River,” outdoor dramas, films and at festivals and living history reenactments.
New River Train Observatory
The New River Train Observatory offers an astounding vantage point overlooking the active Norfolk Southern line crossing the New River. From here, railroad fans and families can watch as the locomotive thunders over the New River bridge directly towards them. It was at this location that rail developers opened up southwestern Virginia in the 1850s to become a vital part of the country’s economy. The site’s importance even brought the Civil War right to the rail bridge.
Designed and implemented by graduate students from the Virginia Tech School of Architecture + Design, the award-winning structure is an arrangement of a bridge connecting two cubes and utilizes a unique and sustainable hardwood-based building material. The simplicity of the design allows the power of the site from its history to its natural beauty to speak to visitors.
Glencoe Mansion, Museum & Gallery
Located on the hill overlooking the Mary Draper Ingles Cultural Heritage Park is Glencoe, the 1875 home of General Gabriel C. Wharton and his wife, Nannie Radford Wharton. The Whartons were civic leaders whose work to further education, business and industry helped southwest Virginia recover from the ravages of the Civil War. The site provides a unique three- in-one experience with the Historic Residence, History Exhibits and Art Gallery/Gift Shop.
Glencoe Mansion allows you to step back in time to learn about life in the 19th century and explore our history from the early Native Americans to the present with engaging and informative exhibits. Special exhibits, including one on enslaved people of Appalachia, highlight America’s past cultural history, and ever-changing art gallery shows reveal our region’s current artistic culture. At Glencoe Mansion there is something for everyone to explore.
Visit Us
Mary Draper Ingles Cultural Heritage Park is located on the grounds of Glencoe Mansion, Museum & Gallery at 600 Unruh Drive, Radford, VA 24141.
The sites are operated by the Radford Heritage Foundation. No admission charge. Visit GlencoeMansion.org or call 540-731-5031 for more information.
Hours
Glencoe Mansion: Wed-Sat 10-4, Sunday 1-4
Park: Dawn to Dusk
