Information
Landmark: Inspiration PointCity: Bryce Canyon City
Country: USA Utah
Continent: North America
Inspiration Point, Bryce Canyon City, USA Utah, North America
Raleigh County Veterans Memorial Park is a public park located in Beckley, West Virginia. It serves as a commemorative space honoring military veterans.
Visual Characteristics
The park features paved walkways, open green spaces, and a central memorial monument constructed from granite. The monument is a multi-tiered structure with inscribed names and dates. Surrounding the monument are various smaller plaques and flagpoles. The park is bordered by mature deciduous trees.
Location & Access Logistics
The park is situated at 1014 South Eisenhower Drive, Beckley, WV 25801. It is approximately 2.5 kilometers south of Beckley's central business district. Access is directly from South Eisenhower Drive (US Route 19). A dedicated parking lot with approximately 50 spaces is available on-site. Public transport options are limited; the closest bus stop is located 1 kilometer north on South Eisenhower Drive, served by the Beckley Transit Authority Route 2.
Historical & Ecological Origin
The park was established in 1998. The primary purpose was to create a dedicated space for public recognition and remembrance of veterans from Raleigh County and surrounding areas. The land itself is part of the Appalachian Plateau, characterized by rolling hills and mixed hardwood forests.
Key Highlights & Activities
Visitors can observe the central memorial monument and read the inscribed names. The park offers open areas suitable for quiet reflection. Walking the paved paths is a primary activity. Memorial ceremonies are held on national holidays.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Restrooms are available near the main entrance. Several picnic tables are provided, offering shaded seating. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable within the park. No on-site food vendors are present; nearest facilities are located approximately 1 kilometer north along South Eisenhower Drive.
Best Time to Visit
For optimal lighting on the memorial inscriptions, early morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM) is recommended. The park is accessible year-round. Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures for outdoor visits.
Facts & Legends
A specific detail of the memorial is the inclusion of a section dedicated to prisoners of war and those missing in action, marked by a separate POW/MIA flag. Local lore suggests that on quiet evenings, the wind rustling through the trees around the monument carries the echoes of past service members' stories.
Nearby Landmarks
- Raleigh County Courthouse - 1.8km North
- Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine - 2.1km Northwest
- Tamarack Marketplace - 2.3km North
- Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center - 2.4km North