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The Digital Blue Ridge Parkway

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Title Oral History Interview with Robert Hewat, October 25, 1996
Date October 25, 1996
Description Bob Hewat, a native of Canada, came to work on the Blue Ridge Parkway as a seasonal ranger in 1960. After working his first four years in Doughton Park, he was working in Gillespie Gap and Linville Falls up until the time of this interview. Hewat talks about his experiences in the places he has worked and the duties of the rangers. He talks about the importance of protection of resources and how he has seen that change over time. Hewat also touches on the progress of construction projects and gives detailed information on their development, including the viaduct. He goes on to talk about some rescues he was involved with near the falls and details an incident where a young boy drowned. Hewat also provides histories of some campgrounds and the signage used along the parkway that sometimes led to conflicts and confusion.
Creator Individuals Julie Mullis
Robert "Bob" Hewat
Tags Campgrounds
Construction
Park rangers
Signs and signboards
Viaducts
Credit Courtesy National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway