Virginia Beach and its surrounding areas encompass one of our state’s most beautiful attractions. Yet, like most of Virginia, the area is not without its share of hauntings. Located on Virginia’s southeastern coast, False Cape State Park has a history as fascinating as its landscape is gorgeous. The tale is one of shipwrecks, abandoned towns, and the ghostly encounters reported to this day:
Google Maps Virginia’s southernmost state park is situated along the Currituck Banks Peninsula, a barrier between the Atlantic Ocean and Back Bay.
WIkipedia The name “False Cape” derives from how easily the area was mistaken for Cape Henry, which is situated just twenty miles north. The area now known as False Cape could lure ships in the wrong direction and ultimately cause them to crash ashore.
Wikipedia One of the most famous shipwrecks that occurred at False Cape became the settlers of Wash Woods – a community that formed in the aftermath of a shipwreck in the 17th century. The few remaining structures, such as the one shown above, were made from the cypress wood that had washed to shore from the wreckage. A town eventually developed here until the late nineteenth century when it was altogether abandoned.
Wikipedia It’s perhaps unsurprising, then, that the area is riddled with haunting tales and ghost stories. Among campers, the area is referred to as the “cradle of a crying child.” At night, various accounts have reported hearing the faraway sounds of crying children lost at sea.
Wikipedia Despite a particularly haunting past, False Cape State Park is a must-visit if you are in the area. Arriving to this gorgeous natural preserve today, visitors will enjoy countless hiking, primitive camping (if you dare…) and educational opportunities regarding the unique ecosystem and wildlife of the area. Further information about the recreational activities can be learned at the visitor’s center upon arriving.
Virginia State Parks/flickr To learn more about False Cape State Park and the surrounding areas, be sure to visit the official Virginia State Parks website here.
Have you recently visited False Cape State Park? If so, we’d love to hear about your experiences there!
Google Maps
Virginia’s southernmost state park is situated along the Currituck Banks Peninsula, a barrier between the Atlantic Ocean and Back Bay.
WIkipedia
The name “False Cape” derives from how easily the area was mistaken for Cape Henry, which is situated just twenty miles north. The area now known as False Cape could lure ships in the wrong direction and ultimately cause them to crash ashore.
Wikipedia
One of the most famous shipwrecks that occurred at False Cape became the settlers of Wash Woods – a community that formed in the aftermath of a shipwreck in the 17th century. The few remaining structures, such as the one shown above, were made from the cypress wood that had washed to shore from the wreckage. A town eventually developed here until the late nineteenth century when it was altogether abandoned.
It’s perhaps unsurprising, then, that the area is riddled with haunting tales and ghost stories. Among campers, the area is referred to as the “cradle of a crying child.” At night, various accounts have reported hearing the faraway sounds of crying children lost at sea.
Despite a particularly haunting past, False Cape State Park is a must-visit if you are in the area. Arriving to this gorgeous natural preserve today, visitors will enjoy countless hiking, primitive camping (if you dare…) and educational opportunities regarding the unique ecosystem and wildlife of the area. Further information about the recreational activities can be learned at the visitor’s center upon arriving.
Virginia State Parks/flickr
To learn more about False Cape State Park and the surrounding areas, be sure to visit the official Virginia State Parks website here.
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