FAQ

Answers to some questions commonly asked of Shenandoah National Park rangers.

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FAQ Details

Below are some of the most common questions posed to Shenandoah National Park rangers, according to the National Park Service: **Where does the name Shenandoah come from?** No one knows for sure. The park was named after the Shenandoah River, which flows through the Shenandoah Valley, located just west of the park. Many theories exist as to what the word "Shenandoah" means, including: "daughter of the stars," "silver water," "river through the spruces," "river of high mountains," "great meadow," and "big flat place." It could also be named for the Native American chief Sherando or for a tribe called the Senedoes, who lived in the valley until 1730. **When was the park created?** Although Shenandoah National Park was authorized by Congress on May 22, 1926, it wasn't established until Dec. 26, 1935. The park was officially dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on July 3, 1936. **When is the best time to see fall colors?** Shenandoah National Park is over 70 miles long, and due to the varying elevations of this mountainous park, it's impossible to predict an accurate "peak date" for the entire park. History has shown, however, that generally around the second or third weeks of October the colors of fall seem to be at their most brilliant stage. Over the last several years, many park trees are still showing off their fall foliage well into November. The color change does not happen all at once. Trees at the higher elevations change first, and this change moves slowly down the mountain. Each year the park posts progress reports for the fall color. **What is Rapidan Camp?** Rapidan Camp, formerly known as Camp Hoover, was the Summer White House of President Herbert Hoover and his wife, Lou Henry Hoover. It is situated where two streams join to form the Rapidan River, since Hoover liked to relax while fishing. He also conducted much business at the camp. The President and his wife spent many weekends in the Brown House, which has recently been reconstructed to conform to its appearance during the Hoover administration (1929-1932). Upon leaving office, Hoover donated the property to the National Park Service for incorporation into the soon-to-be-established Shenandoah National Park. **Who were the CCC "Boys?"** The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New-Deal program. From 1933-1942, thousands of young men lived and worked in CCC camps in and adjacent to the park. The "boys" built rock walls, trails, fire roads, log structures, scenic overlooks, and more. They planted hundreds of thousands of trees and shrubs, and are responsible for much of what visitors to Shenandoah see today.

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