Belle Isle State Park is located in the city of Lancaster, Virginia. The park is situated on a small island in the Rappahannock River. The island is accessible by a bridge from the mainland.
History
The island was originally inhabited by Native Americans. It was later settled by English colonists in the 1600s. The island was used as a hunting and fishing ground by the colonists.
In the 1800s, the island was used as a Confederate prison during the Civil War. After the war, the island was used as a dumping ground for trash and debris.
In the early 1900s, the island was used as a amusement park. The park featured a dance hall, a roller coaster, and a Ferris wheel. The park closed in the late 1920s.
In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began work on the island to turn it into a state park. The CCC built a dam, a swimming beach, a picnic area, and a lodge. The park was officially dedicated as a state park in 1936.
The park was used as a training ground for soldiers during World War II. After the war, the park resumed its role as a recreational destination for families.
In recent years, the park has undergone several renovations and improvements. Belle Isle State Park is now a popular spot for picnicking, swimming, fishing, and hiking.
