The Prime Minister - Camp Hoover Historic District - Shenandoah National Park, Virginia - NRHP Historic Districts - Contributing Buildings on Waymarking.com

Named for British Prime Minister Ramsey MacDonald, built during naval disarmament talks in late 20s. Although designed by architect, First Lady instrumental in overall design. Camp Hoover (Rapidan Camp) was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1988.

Throughout the Hoover Administration, Camp Rapidan was the backdrop for policy debates and political strategy sessions. The Hoovers’ decision to build Camp Rapidan has also been credited with initiating the construction of Skyline Drive. The camp’s association with Hoover was not casual. Its location was handpicked by Herbert Hoover in the spring of 1929 while on a horseback survey of the upper Rapidan terrain. Even before a site was selected, Lou Henry Hoover had a clear idea of what was required: “My husband’s idea was to have a camp down on one of the three-covered flats beside a stream or at the junction between two streams,” Mrs. Hoover wrote in a letter pre-dating the site selection expedition. In his memoirs, Herbert Hoover credits his wife with the layout and design of the camp’s simple, rustic buildings and ground.
Camp Rapidan’s significance extends to its impact on the expansion of conservation efforts during the Hoover Administration. The effect of the camp’s scenic values influenced the Administration into other conservation matters including the preservation of Niagara Falls, tighter control of oil leases on public lands and more efficient use of water for power, irrigation and navigation; protecting National forests and increasing the National Park system. Upon the close of his administration, President Hoover donated the land to the Commonwealth of Virginia for use of Shenandoah National Park, which he was instrumental in getting the ground rolling for. The camp had later uses, and in 1959, 10 of the 13 structures were razed, leaving only three, The Creel, The Prime Minister's Cabin and The Brown House. In 1999, the National Park Service spent two years restoring the grounds to reopen it to the public for viewing purposes.

The Creel was built in 1929 and was designed by architect James Y. Rippin. The structure was later altered by the National Park Service between 1960 and 1963. Between 1998 and 2001, the cabin, along with this area was redeveloped for the current display exhibit. Finally, in 2001, designed by landscape architect Reed L. Engle, the cabin was restored to its original state and is currently used for exhibits.

Name of Historic District (as listed on the NRHP): Camp Hoover Link to nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com page with the Historic District: [Web Link] NRHP Historic District Waymark (Optional): [Web Link] Address: Rapidan Road Syria, Virginia How did you determine the building to be a contributing structure?: Other (Please explain in the Private Message field) Optional link to narrative or database: [Web Link]

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