William B. Umstead State Park, Raleigh, NC
Learn More About William B. Umstead State Park
William B. Umstead State Parkis a cherished retreat between the expanding cities of Durham, Raleigh, and Cary. The park covers 5,599 acres and features a vast network of multipurpose and hiking trails, three artificial lakes, and tributaries that are excellent for fishing. A popular entertainment spot for tourists and locals alike.
William B. Umstead State Park, is an ideal getaway from the everyday pressures of life of living in Raleigh, NC. A great place to walk, hike, ride, fish, or picnic in the pines. The park has two sections, Reedy Creek and Crabtree Creek, and is easily accessible from the US 70 and Interstate 40.
History
Before the first settlers, the region was wilderness. Beech, hickory, and oak forests were home to American bison, wolves, bobcats, and elk. Later, Native Americans populated the area, establishing trade routes, including the Pee Dee trail to the south and the Occoneechee trail to the north. In 1774, land concessions allowed European settlers into the area.
It saw the clearance of forests as agricultural pursuits grew. Early farming endeavors were successful, but inadequate farming techniques and the production of only one crop caused soil depletion and erosion. During the depression, farmers in the Crabtree Creek area made futile attempts to cultivate cotton.
In 1934, state and federal agencies merged to purchase 5,000 acres of this submarginal land under the federal Farm Resettlement Administration to create a recreational area. The National Park Service issued a directive that ensured the Work Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps assisted in building the place while creating much-needed employment.
Four camps, coupled with some picnic and day-use areas, were constructed. In 1937, the park was officially opened as a National Park Service Demonstration Area Park. The state bought this Crabtree Creek Recreational Area for $1 in 1943. The General Assembly appropriated funds for the state parks division in the 1940s and built more facilities.
In 1950, a racially segregated park for African Americans, Reedy Creek State Park, was established on more than 1,000 acres of the park. The park was renamed in 1955 in honor of former Governor William Bradley Umstead’s conservation efforts. In 1966, the two separate park areas were integrated and named as one, the William B. Umstead State Park, Raleigh, NC.
William B. Umstead State Park Neighborhood, Raleigh, NC
Homes around William B. Umstead State Park have a median price of $382,000, higher than the national average of $322,500 and the statewide median price of $382,000. Usually, residences adjacent to the park are higher-end and expensive. The homes come in several architectural designs, from traditional to contemporary, and include features like spacious yards and swimming pools.
There are also several businesses, entertainment, and shopping centers around the William B. Umstead State Park area. For instance, the Nearby Crabtree Valley Mall houses a variety of specialty stores, restaurants, and retail outlets. Also, attractions such as the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the NC Museum of art make the area an attractive place to stay.
