Each of Virginia’s many, many historic sites has something unique to offer. Take, for example, Chippokes Plantation State Park. Located in Surry County, the landscape of this unique state park is profoundly beautiful. Moreover, visitors can head to the waterfront and search for ancient fossils. So whether you’re a history buff or a paleontologist at heart, you’ll find your visit to Chippokes Plantation State Park unforgettable.
Situated along the mighty James River, Chippokes Plantation State Park is a beautiful combination of natural history and cultural history.
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The park gets its name from the 1854 Jones-Stewart mansion on site, which is named for Choapoke, an Algonquian Indian Chief that was a friend of the English settlers in Jamestown.
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The plantation was established in 1619 and is part of a working 1,400-acre farm. Today, the house stands as part of a museum dedicated to Virginia’s architectural history.
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While many visit the property to admire its unique history, there’s a whole other aspect of this state park that’s worthy of a visit: the natural landscape.
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Visitors can head to the shore of the James River and hunt for Chesapecten jeffersonius, which just so happens to be the state fossil of Virginia. Who knew?
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These fossils are what remains of an extinct variety of scallops which existed between 4 and 5 million years ago.
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While you’re at it, you can also keep your eyes out for Megalodon shark teeth. You really never know what sort of relics you’ll discover along this ancient coast.
Virginia.gov
So no matter which historical aspect of Chippokes Plantation State Park fascinates you, you’re in for a real treat when you visit this waterfront park in Virginia.
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Chippokes Plantation State Park is located at 695 Chippokes Park Rd, Surry, VA 23883. For more information about this fascinating landmark, you can visit the official website here.
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Virginia.gov
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