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Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 05, 2024
Contact: Starr Anderson, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 540-460-1540, starr.anderson@dcr.virginia.gov

Natural Bridge State Park hosting special event celebrating 250th anniversary of Thomas Jefferson’s purchase of Natural Bridge

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Natural Bridge)

NATURAL BRIDGE, Va. – July 5 marks 250 years since Thomas Jefferson purchased the Natural Bridge, an act that would set the stage for the 200-foot-tall natural wonder to be preserved for all to experience.

To celebrate, Natural Bridge State Park is hosting a special event on July 5, A Bridge to Revolution. Local and state officials, community leaders and historians will discuss what July 5, 1774, meant to a young Thomas Jefferson and the impact his actions had within Rockbridge County and beyond.

A Bridge to Revolution is presented by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250), Natural Bridge State Park, the Rockbridge Historical Society and Lexington & Rockbridge Area Tourism.

The event begins at 11 a.m. with a recognition ceremony at the Bridge. Then, Fourth of July cookout-style food will be available for purchase at the Cedar Creek Pavilion starting at noon. Ranger-led programs and presentations by historians and art historians will follow at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the Bridge and visitor center.

For the general public, A Bridge to Revolution is free to attend with the purchase of admission to the Bridge. Admission on July 5 will be discounted by $2. You can learn more about the event at virginiastateparks.gov/va250. For more information, please contact the park at 540-254-0795.

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Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit virginiastateparks.gov.

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