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Feature article
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The beauty, serenity of Burke's Garden
By Amy Gatley
BURKE’S GARDEN, Va. — It’s been described as "God’s thumbprint," "paradise," "peaceful" and "unspoiled."'
It is Burke’s Garden, Va., a bowl-shaped valley located atop a mountain in Tazewell County.
After taking U.S. Route 19 to Tazewell, Burke’s Garden can be reached with ease by exiting from Route 19 onto Route 61, and then to Route 623. The community is located less than 10 miles from Tazewell.
One of the most scenic spots in Southwest Virginia, Burke’s Garden is known for its rich soil and old-world charm.
Some 300 families and the herds of cattle and sheep they keep reside in the bowl.
The valley was discovered prior to 1748 by North Carolina hunter James Burke, who described the place as the most beautiful country he had ever seen. The valley was an old Native American campground known by the Indians as "The Great Swamp."
When Burke returned home to Drapers Meadow, N.C., he spoke of the place to Col. James Patton, who encouraged Burke to have the land surveyed, with Burke getting 400 acres of his choice.
Burke made several hunting excursions to the valley, being away weeks at a time. Carrying a knapsack of potatoes, bread and salt, Burke would bury any leftover potato peelings to remove any sign that would enable Indians to track his location.
Explorers returning to the valley the next fall found potato patches where Burke had previously planted the peelings.
The name Burke’s Garden was given and has remained since that time.
The garden was once a 6,500 foot high dome, pushing upward for over a millennia.
The dome cracked, allowing water to erode the sandstone cap and softer limestone until a fertile valley took shape.
Geologists have speculated on the formation of the garden, with theories that a volcano formed the valley or was formed by the impact of a meteor.
The valley is 10 miles long and five miles wide with an average elevation of 3,100 feet.
The garden was at one time inhabited by several Amish families who have since left the area.
Burke’s Garden resident Rebecca Hubbard said the community is unique and enchanting, and many of the families who reside there have a long history in the area.
"Burke’s Garden is unique for its scenic beauty," Hubbard said. "When you come here, you will see the largest rural historic district in the state.
"It is so unique because it is a valley surround 360 degrees by a mountain range."
Along with the scenic attraction, there are also recreation activities to be found at Burke’s Garden.
A 13-mile bicycle loop encircles the community, and the area is the beginning of the Heart of Appalachia Bike Trail.
At the top of Burke’s Garden’s south mountain, there is also an access to the Appalachian Trail through Route 623.
Hubbard said the garden is the highest valley east of the Rocky Mountains, and the climate is relatively cool in the summer.
There are no accommodations at Burke’s Garden, but Hubbard said there is a general store where patrons can pick up deli and bulk items.
Hubbard’s family farm also offers direct farm items for sale.
Visitors can also look for a neat feature of the community that is rarely seen in the area — signs listing the names of family homes and pointing the direction.
For more information, contact the Tazewell County Chamber of Commerce at (800) 588-9401 or Hubbard at (276) 472-2511.
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