In March 2004, President's Park opened in Williamsburg, VA. The ten-acre park displayed large bust sculptures of all forty-three presidents in chronological order. The park also included a replica of the Oval Office and a souvenir shop. Prior to the opening, I can remember when the statues were stored behind some trees on Route 199. I remember seeing the huge heads and asking myself, “What in the world are those and where are they going?”

Eventually the statues were moved to the nearby site and President’s Park opened as one of the many historical institutions in Williamsburg. The museum was composed of both an indoor and an outdoor facility. Inside there was a small theater, a replica of the Oval Office, and a gift shop. Outside, there was a winding path that guided you through the presidential sculptures as well as other displays of historical information.

I believe that I visited the museum four or five times. I enjoyed the historical standpoint of the park, but I always felt that there was something missing from the site. Maybe the museum needed more presidential artifacts or more presidential inspired movies. Or even a replica of Marine One or a presidential limo. All in all, it was a pretty cool concept at first, but the park lost its luster as the years went by. There became fewer visitors, but neither the artifacts nor the sculptures changed. I remember that when there was talk of adding the Barack Obama sculpture, the museum was already in a financial crisis due to the lack of visitors.

On September 30, 2010, the park closed due to financial issues. The site remained dormant for some time. Eventually the land was auctioned off in 2012, and the statues were moved to a farm in Croaker, VA.

As of now there is talk of reopening a similar venue, but with more attractions that would detail the daily duties of the President of the United States as well as other similar points of interest. Unfortunately, several of the current sculptures cannot be used due to the damage that was sustained when the busts were moved from the park to the farm.

The deterioration of those monumental busts is unfortunate, but even on a cold winter’s day, one can still observe the majesty of the sculptures with pure delight.

Urban exploration (also known as urbex or UE), is the practice of investigating unoccupied or abandoned buildings with the hope of preserving some form of art, culture, or even a sense of nostalgia. Although it could be dangerous, it is a growing practice amongst photographers. Reasons why such a risky deed is so popular include the photographic opportunities one could discover at any given place at any given time, especially if one were to venture into an area that is arduous to access.

For my first attempt in urban exportation I chose to venture down US Route 58 in Southern Virginia and into a random abandoned home. Now I know that this may not fancy most explorers, but I must remind you that I was (and still am) a novice at this entire exercise. Enjoy.

Tips for Urban Exploration:

Try your best not to go alone. I know that this sounds easier said than done, but this could be every helpful when accessing certain locations or even running into trouble. Having a phone is also a good idea.
Wear shoes with a thick sole and watch where you step.
Bring gloves and be careful of what you touch.
Bring a flashlight.
Bring a mask (a lot older buildings could have asbestos in the air).

The Ghosts of President's Park

Easy Living in Courtland, VA