In 2023, we went to the Great Dismal Swamp. Granted, it wasn’t because we planned a trip there—it’s because the swamp was on the route home, and every other time we said we were going to stop, we hadn’t.
We chose to do the 6-mile route to Lake Drummond, one of only two natural lakes in the commonwealth. I hadn’t looked up any pictures, so when we got there and the lake looked like a Dr. Pepper spill, I was admittedly confused—and concerned.
As soon as I got signal, I Googled the color of the water. First off, it’s totally safe. Secondly, it’s completely normal. The groundwater filters through natural peat soils, giving the lake its tea-like appearance, according to the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
So if you’re in the market for a lake day with a really cool drive to get there, keep reading—and remember, I’m so glad you’re here.
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The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge spans 113,000 acres. (R. Winn/USFWS)
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Here’s what you need to know: Spread across parts of southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina, the Great Dismal Swamp has a long and storied history.
Fun facts:
- The Great Dismal Swamp once spanned 1 million acres and served as a home for Native Americans and freedom seekers. It’s now a national wildlife refuge.
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An assortment of fish call Lake Drummond home, including mud sunfish, yellow perch, brown and yellow bullhead catfish, bowfin, and crappie.
- There are four trail entrances at the refuge: Portsmouth Ditch, Jericho Lane, Washington Ditch, and Railroad Ditch.
Ready to visit? We’ve got what you need to know about the swamp at the link below.
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Virginia farmer John Boyd Jr., president of the National Black Farmers Association, says President Donald Trump’s tariffs have hit soybean growers hard.
He says the administration’s farm aid won’t make up for the damage.
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Amie Knowles holds her copy of “The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman” by Laurence Sterne. (Courtesy of Amie Knowles)
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By Amie Knowles
Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, I found “The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman” by Laurence Sterne at an antique show last year. Sure, it’s old and I love old books—but if you look a little closer at the dedication, it’s rather ironic that this 1809 copy ended up, of all places, in Pittsylvania County.
That’s because the first words—even before the title page—are “To the Right Honourable Mr. Pitt.” William Pitt. The same William Pitt that Pittsylvania County was named after. The very same William Pitt also known as the Earl of Chatham. The one that the Town of Chatham—the seat of Pittsylvania County—got its name from. And now, it’s in my house right beside a bunch of Westerns.
I find that irony rather humorous. What’s also pretty cool is when the multi-part novel was originally published in the 1750s and 1760s, it had people giggling too. There are no shortage of surprises for the reader, including jokes, unreliable narrators, and even blank pages. Basically, I like to think of the little book as the Saturday Night Live of its day.
Who knew a $5 investment could bring about smiles for 200+ years.
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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Amie Knowles. Amie is a lifelong Virginia resident and mom to a fantastic 8-year-old who loves Pokémon. This edition includes stories from Aila Boyd and the breaking news team. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.
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