Making the Case for the Great Dismal Swamp National Heritage Area: A Scoping Review

Madelyn Newton, Chandler J. Berry, Bethany Arrington, Nick Wilson, Colin McCormack, Michael Wilcox, Alexis Barmoh and Chris A. B. Zajchowski ()
Additional contact information
Madelyn Newton: Department of Natural Resources and Society, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
Chandler J. Berry: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Denver, CO 80225, USA
Bethany Arrington: Department of Human Movement Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
Nick Wilson: Mason Recreation, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
Colin McCormack: U.S. Army Core of Engineers, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
Michael Wilcox: Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, VA 23607, USA
Alexis Barmoh: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Denver, CO 80225, USA
Chris A. B. Zajchowski: Department of Natural Resources and Society, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 9, 1-17

Abstract: National Heritage Areas (NHAs) are nationally distinct landscapes that represent unique cultural, historical, and/or natural attributes significant to the legacy of the United States of America (U.S.). The Great Dismal Swamp, located in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina, is a prime candidate for NHA designation with diverse qualifications, among which was its antebellum role as a refuge for formerly enslaved people. The goal of our research, conducted in 2022 during the period of the U.S. Congressional debate on designation, was to investigate and expound upon the rationale for NHA designation of the Swamp. To do so, we used a scoping review to explore a sample of existing literature focused on the Great Dismal Swamp. We found significant evidence to support the Great Dismal Swamp NHA designation. Now, in its final hours of federal review and ratification, the Great Dismal Swamp will likely become America’s next NHA and continue its legacy as a place for nature-based and heritage tourism, inspiration, and reflection on the strength of humans to live and resist against even the most arduous of external forces. Further, our work serves to illustrate the range of unique factors that can support similar designations throughout the U.S. and internationally.

Keywords: National Heritage Area; African American history; maroons; heritage tourism; parks and protected areas (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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