“A Journey Through Hollowed Ground”

As a history major who grew up in Virginia, I have to say that I have always been extremely interested in the multitude of historical sites that can be found in our great Commonwealth. That is why I was very pleased when I read a press release sent out by Gov. Kaine’s office today about how over 60 miles of U.S. Route 15 in Virginia have been declared “an official Virginia Byway by the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB)” and are part of a four state route called “Journey Through Hollowed Ground.” Below is the full press release.

RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today applauded the announcement that approximately 66 miles of U.S. Route 15 from the Potomac River in Loudoun County to Orange have been designated an official Virginia Byway by the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB). The new byway is part of the four-state, 175-mile “Journey Through Hallowed Ground” corridor from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to Thomas Jefferson’s Albemarle County home, Monticello.“This road, with its beautiful scenic vistas and incredible historic sites, is a treasure,” said Governor Kaine. “We’re proud to have it as a jewel in the Virginia byway program.”

The Journey Through Hallowed Ground corridor follows the Susquehannock and Iroquois Native American tribes’ trading route; links the homes of several U.S. presidents; passes by Civil War battlefields, as well as Colonial-era, Revolutionary War and War of 1812 sites; is close to African American historical sites, including the Underground Railroad; and traverses several national parks, scenic rivers and rural landscapes. The CTB members approved the designation during their May 17 meeting.

“This historic byway is the spine of the book that links the chapters of our American history,” said Cate Magennis Wyatt, president of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership. “We applaud the officials from the Virginia towns and counties who worked with the Commonwealth Transportation Board to achieve this scenic byway designation.”

A Virginia Byway is a particularly scenic route or one with high cultural value that gives travelers access to areas of scenic, historic, recreational, cultural, natural or archaeological significance. There are nearly 3,000 miles of Virginia Byways in the Commonwealth. A Virginia Byway designation can limit placement of outdoor advertising signs to help preserve and protect the route’s scenic integrity, but it does not affect land-use controls or road improvements or maintenance.

“We’re glad to have a strong byway program in Virginia,” Secretary of Transportation Pierce Homer said. “A Virginia Byway designation attracts travelers who want to explore our beautiful commonwealth at a more leisurely pace. We specially mark those routes on the state and scenic maps to make it easier to plan trips using them.”

The first Virginia Byway was Route 193 in Fairfax County, designated in 1974. Virginia Byways are eligible for consideration in the National Scenic Byway Program. National Scenic Byways are designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. National Scenic Byways in Virginia include the Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive, Colonial Parkway and George Washington Memorial Parkway.

For more information about Virginia Byways, visit: http://www.vdot.virginia.gov/programs/faq-byways.asp.

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