The Johnson Farm at Peaks of Otter - Historic resources study, historic structures report
Speer JH, Russell FH, Worsham G. 1990. The Johnson Farm at Peaks of Otter - Historic resources study, historic structures report. Historic Resource Study. Appalachian Studies Program, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Blacksburg, Virginia
The study focuses on the Johnson Farm complex at the Peaks of Otter in Bedford, Virginia. To understand the Johnson Farm requires understanding of the history of the entire Peaks region, from earliest habitation to the present day. The report begins with prehistoric archaeology at the site and concludes with Parkway management of the site currently. The opening chapter is an overview history of the Peaks of Otter region, examining Indian occupation, early settlement, the growth of travel and tourism in the area, important events at the Peaks, the economic and cultural life of the community as it developed, and the decline and demise of the Peaks community. The second chapter traces the history of three generations of the Johnson family who lived at the mountain farm. Chapter Three traces the evolution of the farm itself--addition and alteration of structures, continuities and changes in the farm economy, interrelationships with the local hotels and effects of tourism, family contributions to the farm, ties with transportation and economic systems beyond the local community, and the effects of modernization and urbanization in isolating the farm and ending its existence as a family farm. Chapter Four provides a history of ownership of the farm and the Peaks area by government agencies and management of the farm site by the Blue Ridge Parkway for over fifty years. The final chapter presents conclusions and recommendations for research, restoration and reconstruction, and interpretive programs. The historic structures report and drawings follow the historic resources study.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Speer, Jean; Russell, Frances; Worsham, Gibson
- Date of Issue
- 1990
- Publisher
- Appalachian Studies Program, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Units
- BLRI , HIST
- Keywords
- Blue Ridge Parkway, Cultural Resources, ehistory, History, Johnson Farm