Hidden Histories of the Dismal Swamp | Virginia Beach News

Step into history at Chesapeake’s brand-new interactive Historical Village, tucked along the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail—a vibrant tribute to African American and Indigenous heritage. Explore maroon communities, the Underground Railroad, and a restored 1902 one-room schoolhouse once known as the Benefit Colored School, where hundreds of Black children learned under one teacher. Hear firsthand from 96-year-old alum Mildred Brown and walk through a replica lumber camp lean-to that reveals how maroon communities thrived. The swamp itself is dubbed the “liquid highway” of the Underground Railroad, with an art installation honoring a key operative and 21 others who escaped with him. Plans are underway to add an outdoor classroom in the historic Canal Superintendent’s House, once a bustling hub for water management, tolls, and mail. This powerful, long-overdue project brings forgotten stories to life—and is already drawing visitors eager to experience this essential chapter of American history. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/973f2008d5931854