Virginia's state parks are undoubtedly some of the most precious and beloved land in the state. We are forever grateful for the ability to enjoy them, knowing they are protected and well preserved. In fact, even the oldest state parks in the country retain the beauty that they've had for decades. One such example is Hungry Mother State Park in Marion, Virginia. The following photographs show what the park looked like nearly 80 years ago, when it was being shaped into the natural space we hold so dear today.

Nestled in Virginia’s southwestern Appalachia is one of the most historic and pristine parks in the state. Hungry Mother State Parks is a frequently visited and beloved local state park, known for its gorgeous lake and wooded areas.

One of the most unusual facets of this Virginia State Park is its name. According to legend, the name derives from a point in history when Molly Marley and her child were among the only to survive the Native American raid on the settlement. While the two were able to survive off berries, eventually Molly collapsed from hunger. When her young child finally found help, the only thing she could say was "hungry mother." By the time help reached Molly, she had already passed away.

Although this aspect of the park’s history is deeply tragic, the area that resulted accordingly allows the memory of these early settlers to be honored. Hungry Mother State Park was established in June of 1936, along with five other parks in Virginia. Much of the land we enjoy today was donated by local landowners.

The Civilian Conservation Corps worked diligently to built a state park around Hungry Mother Creek in Smyth County. The photographs above show the gradual development of the park, as they were taken in the 1930s.

Today, the park can be easily accessed from Interstate 81. Hungry Mother attracts many visitors at all times of year. As shown by the above photography, the landscape is positively breathtaking at all seasons.

During the summer, it’s not unusual to spot fishing, kayakers, hikers, and even folks lounging along the man-made beaches surrounding the lake.

The hiking trails surrounding the park offer some of the most scenic views in the area. From the mountain ranges, deeply wooded forests and even a nearby stretch of the Appalachian Trail, there’s no shortage of exploring around here. And knowing a bit about this park’s history makes the trip there all the more memorable.

Hungry Mother State Park is located at 2854 Park Blvd., Marion VA 24354. What's your favorite State Park in Virginia? As always, we'd love to hear from you!