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Join the Rockbridge Historical Society and Virginia State Parks on their annual History and Culture Weekend, with 75 unique events planned statewide.

Locally, on Saturday, June 14, ranger-led tours at Natural Bridge State Park walk you through the majestic site’s marvels and mysteries, accompanied by RHS’ historic displays & accounts of its natural history and tourist attractions from the 18th-21st centuries. The morning tour runs from 9-10:30, the afternoon from 1-2:30, both starting at the Visitor Center

Learn about little-known figures who had big impacts on the Bridge, such as Patrick Henry, the free man of color whom Thomas Jefferson hired to take care of his properties there in the early 1800s. In important ways, Henry may fittingly be considered the “first park ranger” at the properties Jefferson came to view as "a public trust," and he was specifically praised by Jefferson’s granddaughter for his skill and care as a guide on her 1817 journey there. In another key, you can hear about the developer of the first resort complex on the property, Colonel Henry C. Parsons. A Civil War veteran of the Vermont Cavalry, Parsons survived his wounds at Gettysburg, but was ultimately killed on a train in 1894, shot five times by a C&O Railroad conductor in a running dispute involving “women of ill repute.”

To hear more on these lively social histories and lasting natural history - including interesting artifacts the rangers will share from their collections - join one of the 9:00-10:30 AM or 1:00-2:30 PM tours. Space is limited to 25 people, so pre-registration is encouraged HERE. Tickets are $9 for adults and $6 for children, which includes admission to the park for the rest of the day.