MISSION ORIGINS WHAT’S NEXT? LOGO STORY FOUNDERS CONTACT US

With 733 acres, seven miles of shoreline on the Northern NeckÕs Rappahannock River, and access to Mulberry and Deep creeks, Belle Isle lets visitors explore a wide variety of tidal wetlands interspersed with agricultural fields and upland forests. Belle Isle has three picnic shelters, hiking, biking and bridle trails, motor boat and car-top launch and overnight lodging at the Bel Air Mansion and the Bel Air Guest House.

Mission

The Northern Neck Hidden History Trail will expand existing historical narratives with comprehensive presentations that reveal the impact and the significant contributions of all people to include collaborative efforts between cultures and communities.

Colonial Beach is located at the northern tip of Virginia's Northern Neck and is one of the few remaining small seaport towns on the Potomac River. Fishing, boating, sailing, swimming and crabbing are just a few of the water activities enjoyed here. It is also the birthplace of George Washington and James Monroe.

Stratford Hall, c.1730, is the birthplace of Robert E. Lee. The plantation sits on 1900 acres overlooking the Potomac River. Historically and architecturally significant, the site also includes nature trails, a gristmill and formal gardens.

Just a short drive from Washington, D.C., this Northern Virginia park offers a range of outdoor activities and programs. Hiking trails, a large picnic area, playground, car-top canoe launch and a visitor center are among the park's features. The park's access to wetlands, forest, open water, ponds and open fields make it ideal for environmental study and wildlife observation.

Christ Church is a historic Episcopal Church, and its one of the best-preserved colonial churches in the southern United States. The original church, built in 1670, was rebuilt as a brick church in 1730.

Origins

The Northern Neck Hidden History Trail was established by Dr. Evelyn Yvonne Treakle-Moore, Robert Jackson, and Alva Jackson, born out of a shared passion for preserving family history and a broader commitment to uncovering the region’s rich and diverse heritage. Two key moments sparked this initiative.

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The first was the founders’ enduring dedication to researching and maintaining their own family’s historical narratives. The second was a transformative 2018 trip to Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. During this visit, Dr. Treakle-Moore and her cousin, Alva Jackson, participated in an African American historical tour that brought to life stories of significance, including a visit to the home of former Senator Edward Brooke. This experience inspired them to reflect on the Northern Neck’s equally compelling cultural legacy, rooted in African American, Native American, and European histories. They envisioned a similar initiative that would weave together these threads into a comprehensive historical trail for their own region.

At the same time, Rev. Dr. Linwood Blizzard was organizing bus tours showcasing African American historical sites during Macedonia Baptist Church’s Homecoming celebrations. These efforts highlighted the untapped potential for the Northern Neck to become a destination for historical exploration and education.

The name “Hidden History Trail” reflects the trail’s purpose: to unearth the stories that have long been overlooked or passed down quietly through generations. It also draws attention to the history that exists in plain sight, waiting to be recognized, honored, and shared.

With its mission to “Illuminate Shared Legacy and Ignite Brighter Futures,” the Northern Neck Hidden History Trail seeks to deepen understanding, inspire pride, and foster a greater appreciation for the cultural mosaic that defines the region.

What’s Next?

Expanding the Trail

The Northern Neck Hidden History Trail is committed to growth, with plans to add six to twelve new sites each year. By continually expanding, the trail ensures that more stories are uncovered and shared, engaging both residents and visitors in the region’s diverse history. This effort is supported by ongoing collaborations with the Historical Societies and Museums of the Northern Neck, fostering a strong network dedicated to preserving and promoting local heritage.

Research and Development through Education

To support this growth, the trail will collaborate with higher education institutions, bringing on college interns to assist with research and development. These partnerships provide valuable opportunities for students to engage in hands-on historical work while ensuring the trail remains dynamic and well-researched.

Enhancing the Augmented Reality Experience

A key focus is deepening the trail’s Augmented Reality (AR) experience. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, the trail aims to create more immersive and interactive storytelling, allowing visitors to connect with history in innovative and engaging ways.

Inspiring Future Generations

Education is at the heart of the trail’s mission. Plans are underway to partner with local schools and universities to integrate the trail into educational curricula. These collaborations aim to inspire the next generation of history enthusiasts by making the rich stories of the Northern Neck accessible and relevant to students.

Strengthening Tourism and Economic Development

The trail seeks to amplify its impact by strengthening partnerships with tourism and economic development coordinators. These efforts aim to enhance cultural tourism, drawing visitors to the region, and fostering local economic growth. By intertwining history with modern development, the trail not only preserves the past but also contributes to a thriving future.

The Story of Our Logo

The Northern Neck Hidden History Trail logo captures the region’s intertwined histories and rich cultural heritage through three powerful symbols.

The Sankofa, a West African symbol meaning “to go back and fetch it,” honors the resilience of African American communities and the importance of preserving their stories.
The Ship represents the transatlantic slave trade and the arrival of European settlers, reflecting the complex history of migration, commerce, and colonization.
The Feather pays tribute to the Indigenous peoples, many of whom still reside here and are the original inhabitants of the land, symbolizing their deep connection to it and lasting legacy.

Together, these symbols tell a story of resilience and remembrance, inviting exploration of the Northern Neck’s diverse history.

Founders

Dr. Evelyn Yvonne Treakle-Moore

Robert Jackson

Alva Jackson

Board of Directors

Robert Jackson
President

Sequoyah Fortune
Secretary

Dr. Evelyn Yvonne Treakle-Moore
V. President/Treasurer

Alva Jackson
Executive Director

Rev. Charles Sydnor

Karen Sutton, PhD

Brad Hatch, PhD

Laurie Morrissett, Esq.

Keith Wise

Marian K. Veney Ashton

Garfield Parker

Percidia Alice Norris

Birthplace of Robert E. Lee and boyhood home of Richard Henry Lee and Francis Lightfoot Lee, the only brothers to sign the Declaration of Independence. The Plantation encompasses 1900 acres of farmlands and forests on a high bluff overlooking the Potomac River. Built in the late 1730s, the Great House contains some of the most architecturally significant rooms of the Colonial era. The site includes nature trails, a gristmill and formal gardens.

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Mission

Origins