Drive 24 minutes from The Square in Crozet and you can visit Albemarle County’s newest park, Byrom Park.
6610 Blackwells Hollow Road, Crozet, VA 22932
Patricia Ann Byrom Forest Preserve Park
I asked Phil James, author of Secrets of the Blue Ridge, to write a bit about the historical aspect of Byrom Park and he was gracious enough to agree.
Albemarle County’s newest outdoor destination, the Patricia Ann Byrom Forest Preserve Park, will introduce many to another one of western Albemarle’s lesser known gems,Blackwell’s Hollow.
William Blackwell, the elder namesake of “historic” Blackwell’s Hollow, purchased his first land in that region in 1767, followed by a Colonial grant in 1773. William’s progeny amassed over 2000 acres and the family name is perpetuated in that place to this day.
Blackwell’s was a voting precinct in its early days with a notorious penchant for heated politics and a reputation for voting contrary to the rest of Albemarle County. The hollow residents were hardworking and industrious: in addition to farming, several mineral mines were located on the steep mountainsides and numerous legal distilleries once provided jobs. Stores, schools and churches served the Blackwell’s Hollow population at a time when travel could be difficult and local communities were careful to take care of themselves.
In the 1950s, Albemarle historian Vera Via wrote of the hollow’s significance in county history. Patricia Byrom, honored namesake of Albemarle’s newest park, penned a thesis in 1980 on “Blackwell’s Hollow in northwestern Albemarle County”. The Book “Secrets of the Blue Ridge” by Phil James includes a chapter which introduces some of the people and places in that rugged area.
The interesting drive along the section of Rt. 810 denoted as Blackwell’s Hollow Road, extending from Brown’s Gap Turnpike on the south almost to Boonesville on the north, is arguably one of the most beautiful in Albemarle County.
The renewed appreciation of the area by longtime residents and the wonder and respect expressed by new visitors will help to serve as thanks for the benevolence of Mrs. Byrom’s family who has made the land available to all. Perhaps, in due time, park planners will also consider the installation of a kiosk honoring the Blackwell namesake.
Continue reading “Byrom Park’s Dedication this Friday”
