Camp Humphreys was a training camp
During World War I, Camp A.A. Humphreys was built on a former mill site in Accotink Creek and became a training camp for more than 20,000 men. It was a very active training camp and by the end of the war, over 50K enlisted men and 4900 officer candidates were trained on the Accotink Creek. Although the original Accotink dam was demolished in 1922, Fort Humphreys continued to operate as a training camp. It was also home to several schools and other military facilities that were used by the army during World War I.
The first phase of this project, called the Camp Humphreys, opened in November 2007. The US Army closed Camps Eagle and Long in June 2010, relocating their installation support activities to the new camp. Camp Humphreys currently houses 6,670 soldiers and is expected to grow to house as many as 22,497 in the next few years. There are two-bedroom units on site as well as off-post housing for families.
The camp also has a variety of recreational facilities. Two CDCs operate at Camp Humphreys and both have a capacity of 613 children. Both CDCs adhere to the principles of overall child development, early education, and personal hygiene. Both facilities have completed NAEYC accreditation. Camp Humphreys and COL Dean Hess CDC are on track to achieve this accreditation this year and in the years to come.
Fishing in Accotink Creek
If you’re looking for a great fishing spot, the Accotink Creek is a great place to go. The river’s long, shallow pools and gently cascading rapids are typical of east-coast piedmonttian waterways. The water is also rich in riparian vegetation, including towering sycamores and hardy ironwoods. The bottom of the river is a mix of sand, silt, and small rocks. Many wild trout once made their homes in the creek, but today, they’re gone.
Residents of nearby communities can also fish in the creek. Fishermen can purchase a fishing license and try their luck. Residents of Woodburn, Mantua, Long Branch, West Falls Church, and Ravenn Loring are within 10 miles of the stream. Virginia regulations govern fishing in Accotink Creek. However, the river is stocked with trout. While fishing in Accotink Creek, be sure to check the fishing license requirements before you head out onto the water.
This urban stocker stream is only 20 minutes from Washington DC, making it an ideal place to take a short trip. Streamers and stripping are the best ways to target these fish. There are also Virginia Trout Stocking Schedule signs posted at the stream. A visit to the Accotink Creek is always worth it, even if it’s just for a half day or a day. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy some freshwater fishing!
Lake Accotink’s redevelopment
A long-delayed master plan for Lake Accotink Park has a new beginning, thanks to a successful initial public meeting. A blog about the project was posted recently, but the current development stage is not yet complete. However, the future of the lake is still in doubt. Here are some important facts about the park’s redevelopment. These facts may surprise you. Listed below are some facts about the park.
First of all, Accotink Creek is approximately 25 miles long and starts north of the lake. It empties into the Potomac west of Fort Belvoir. The Fitzhugh family owned the land before Lake Accotink was built, and the Civil War armies passed through the area without the lake. While the lake was created by a dam, the creek has been there since the time of the Fitzhugh family.
While residents in the Springfield area can now walk the 3.5-mile loop around the lake, they should bring boots and bring a waterproof jacket. During rainy seasons, the path is flooded as water overflows the drainage system. Thankfully, the Fairfax County Park Authority is addressing this problem through the Lake Accotink Dam Stream Crossing Project, which will install a concrete pedestrian crossing and 300 feet of asphalt trail improvements.
