Virginia Lewis and Clark Legacy Trail, Inc.
Annual Report – 2024
The Virginia Lewis and Clark Legacy Trail (“VLCLT”) continues steady progress as it works to solidify trail sites across our great Commonwealth, marking the beginnings of the journey of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, sons of Virginia. The year of 2024 marked a year of significant transition with the retirement of Margaret “Peggy” Crosson as Chair and founder of these efforts. Thankfully, Peggy remains actively engaged in shepherding signage/historical marker efforts. As obtaining signage for possible sites is the Trail’s ultimate aim, Crosson’s role in this remains pivotal.
Historical Markers and Efforts
We’re proud we have shepherded the installation of 15 historical markers with plaques throughout the state. New this year are markers in:
In addition, several research projects to link Lewis and/or Clark to structures in other Virginia localities are occurring at this time as are the replacement/updating of existing Lewis and Clark-related historical markers.
The Trail contributed to paving of the driveway to Preston House in the City of Bristol.
The VLCLT website at valewisandclarklegacytrail.org provides updated information on the Trail throughout the Commonwealth.
Upcoming Activities
The Trail anticipates that the following two sites will become active in 2025:
Botetourt County
An application for signage has been submitted titled, “Lewis and Clark in Botetourt County. We anticipate it will be reviewed January 2025.
Culpepper County
An application for signage has been submitted and approved for a marker for the Fields Brothers, born in Culpeper County. The Fields Brothers are often described as pivotal to the success of the 1806 expedition.
Washington County
A sign will be unveiled at William King House in Abingdon. The unveiling is scheduled for Spring 2025 with a ceremony and activities.
Additional Education
Albemarle County
The Lewis & Clark Heritage Association held its annual meeting in Charlottesville in September and visited several VLCLT sites.
Pulaski County
Virginia 4th and 6th grades can visit the Wilderness Trail and Ingles Tavern as part of Virginia history education.
Finances
All monies raised by VLCLT, Inc. are directed toward paying for markers, assisting with ongoing projects, or assisting with events that may help raise additional funds for markers and/or education related to Lewis and Clark.
The treasury rests at $17,615.76 as of November, 29, 2024.
For more information about VLCLT Finances or to review our records, please contact VLCLT Treasurer John Sengson at jsengson@jpscapitalre.com.
Growth of the Board
As an all-volunteer organization, the role of the County Chairs and Board of Directors is of critical importance. These individuals, along with support from their communities, are the engine that runs VLCLT. We were pleased to gain new Board Members and County Chairs this year, furthering VLCLT’s reach across the Commonwealth. The new representatives for our efforts include: Tim Buchanan, representing the City of Bristol, Wayne Brooks, representing Caroline County, Gary Corder, representing August County, and Michael Gilman, representing Wythe County.
The Board and County Chairs now include:
Dawn Wiese
Chair – Rockbridge
Walter “Walt” Jenny
Vice Chair – Washington
John Sengson
Treasurer – Botetourt
Lin Burton
Corresponding Secretary – Botetourt
Wayne Brooks
Delegate – Caroline
Henry Bryant
Delegate – Montgomery
Tim Buchanan
Delegate – Bristol
Kip Burton
Delegate – Botetourt
John Christiansen
County Chair – Culpepper
Gary Corder
Delegate – Augusta
Margaret “Peggy” Crosson
Delegate – Botetourt
Isaac Freeman
Delegate – Smyth
Michael Gillman*
Delegate – Wythe
Garrett Jackson
Delegate – Abingdon
James “Jim” Johnston
Delegate – Botetourt
Augustine “Gus” Lewis
Delegate – King and Queen
April Martin
Delegate – Pulaski
Jan Rainero
Delegate – Bristol
Sally Thomas
Delegate – Albemarle
A Fond Farewell
Caroline “Cookie” Davis has been a mainstay on the VLCLT Board as County Chair for Caroline County since the Board’s inception. Cookie is stepping out of this role and enjoying some true retirement years as Wayne Brooks joins the Board for Caroline County. Were it not for Cookie, the sign commemorating York in Caroline County would not have come to fruition. York was the only African American individual on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Thank you, Cookie, for your work and service!
A Few Last Thoughts from the Chair
As you finish reading this Annual Report, please consider a gift to our efforts. We hope this report demonstrates the hard work of the individuals on the Board and the shared earnest desire to enhance local communities and capture important history in Virginia. Whether to honor our long-time leader, Margaret “Peggy” Crosson, or County Chair Cookie Davis, or just because you care about Virginia history, every gift matters and we work hard to responsibly put every dollar to work toward our mission.
And should you have interest in volunteering along with us, just let me know – we have lots of good projects to go around. With roles ranging from Secretary of the Board to fundraising to event management – we’d love to have you join our efforts!
Happy holidays and thank you for considering VLCLT in your annual giving.
Dawn Wiese
Chair, VLCLT
Rockbridge County
drdawnwiese@gmail.com
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Gifts to the Virginia Lewis and Clark Legacy Trail can be made by making a check payable and send to:
John Sengson, Treasurer
Virginia Lewis and Clark Legacy Trail
99 Housman Street
Fincastle, Virginia 24090
