CUMBERLAND STATE FOREST
The 16,233 acre Cumberland State Forest, located in the piedmont of Virginia, is in Cumberland County; it is north of State Route 60, west of State Route 45 and bordered on the west by the Willis River.
In the early 1800s, the land that now occupies Cumberland State Forest was part of a plantation owned by Colonel Josiah George. The plantation encompassed thousands of acres of woodland and served as a major source of timber and other natural resources.
During the American Civil War (1861-1865), the land was of strategic importance due to its proximity to Richmond, the capital of the Confederacy. The plantation and surrounding area saw several skirmishes and military activities during the war.
In the late 1930s, during the Great Depression, the federal government initiated various programs to help provide employment and boost the economy. One such program was the establishment of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was responsible for the creation of several public forests across the country, including Cumberland State Forest.
From 1933 to 1941, CCC workers, along with local laborers, worked to develop Cumberland State Forest. They constructed roads, trails, bridges, firebreaks, and picnic areas. They also planted thousands of trees to reforest the land and protect the soil from erosion.
As part of the forest's development, the CCC also built a water system, cabins, and recreational facilities to accommodate visitors. These efforts not only provided significant employment opportunities but also played a crucial role in the conservation and restoration of Cumberland County's natural resources.