This
388-acre park is located along a two-mile stretch of the scenic Eno
River, six miles north of downtown Durham. You can enjoy a leisurely
picnic and stroll around the grounds, or take a hike through the woods
on one of the park trails. Feel free to bring your canoe
or kayak and experience the beauty of the Eno River. The park gates
are open daily, year-round, from 8 a.m. - sundown. For more information,
contact Beth Highley at 471-1623 or click here to email her: Beth
Highley.
History at West Point
West Point on the Eno, a natural and historic city park, is
located along a two-mile stretch of the scenic Eno River. The 388 acres
of woods, waters, and wildlife have changed little in the centuries
since this area was the home of the Shocco and Eno Indians. This river
valley was also attractive to the first white settlers, primarily farmers
and millers,
who arrived in the 1750's to earn their livelihood.
Attractions:
The three historic buildings are open 1 - 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday,
mid-March through mid-December. Admission is free. Weekday tours of
the buildings can be arranged in advance by calling 471-1623.
West
Point Mill
Of the thirty-two mills that once dotted the Eno River,
none has held so long and prominent a place in the history of this
area as the West Point Mill. Its location at an excellent ford accessible
by roads from north, south, and west; its ownership by notable and
influential men; the growth of Durham to the south - all combined
to give . this particular mill the distinction of having functioned
longer (1778-1942) and more prosperously than any other mill on the
river. This mill also became the vital center for a thriving community
of about 300 families. There was a general store, blacksmith shop,
cotton gin, saw mill, and still. In 1839, the mill even became the
location of a postoffice. Because it was the most westerly point
on the mail route from Raleigh to Roxboro, the name West Point was
given to the post office, to the mill, and to the community itself.
The mill ceased operations in 1942 when a freshet broke the dam across
the river, and the building colapsed from old age and neglect in
1973. Through the use of photographs of the original mill, remains
of the framing, and the intactfoundation, the mill was reconstructed
with materials gleaned
from other local grist mills. Today the West
Point Mill is working again, grinding corn and wheat with water
power. Stone-ground meal and flour, along with other items, are
sold in the mill's store.
McCown-Mangum House at West Point
John Cabe McCown, one-time owner of the West Point Mill, built this
vernacular, Greek revival farmhouse as his residence in the 1840's.
In 1891, the house was sold to Presley J. Mangum, an early Durham
postmaster, who wished to escape the growing town of Durham. The Mangum
family occupied the house until 1968.
The restored house features original mantels and woodwork, including
rooms sheathed in the original heart-of-pine boards. The house is
furnished and decorated in a late-nineteenth century style, with several
original pieces loaned by the Mangum family. Surrounding the house
is a garden of flowering shrubs, perennials, herbs, and roses, representing
the once-extensive gardens of the Mangum family.
The house is available for small gatherings such as weddings, receptions,
and meetings. For rental information, call the Durham Parks and Recreation
Department Reservationist at 560-4358.
Packhouse & Hugh Mangum Musem
of Photography
One of the original buildiings at West Point, the Packhouse, once
used for handling tobacco, now serves as the Hugh Mangum Museum of
Photography. In addition to the permanant exhibit of Hugh
Mangum's images and equipment, the museum hosts regular exhibits
by many of our regions finest photographers.
Amphitheatre at West Point
This secluded area nestled in the woods is the perfect setting for
company picnics, festivals, concerts, performances, and other large
group gatherings. The facility can accommodate up to 4,000 people
and includes a large open field, lawn seating, stage, electricity,
water, and ample parking. To arrange a visit, or for rental and reservation
information, contact Beth Highley at 471-1623.
Picnic Facilities
The large picnic shelter was built to resemble a bam that once stood
nearby. Featuring restrooms, a grill, and electricity, the facility
accomodates up to 75 people for group picnics and gatherings. The
small shelter accomodates up to 40 people and has a grill and drinking
fountain nearby. These shelters must be reserved; for rental fees
and availability call the Reservationist at 560-4358. Numerous picnic
tables and grills are located throughout the park and are available
for free on a first-come, first-served basis.
Natural Area
The established trails, approximately 5 miles in length, lead
along the river and through rocky terrair with granite bluffs often
covered
with mountain laurel rhododendron, and partridgeberry. A variety
of flowers, ferns, and shrubs indigenous to the mountains are also
found
here. A pleasant sequence of rapids and deep waters makes the river
popular for paddling. Fishing is permitted; catfish, bream, crappie,
chain pickerel, and largemouth bass abound. In addition, the Eno
is a prime habitat for the Red-eye or Roanoke bass, a game fish
found
in only two rivers in the state, the Eno and the Tar. Download
Trail Map here (pdf 1.1mb)
Additional West Point Links–
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