Workhouse Hike & Author Event: Veterans in the Age of Incarceration (Rating: C)

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.

Join us for this 6.5 mile hike and optional book talk. History professor at Virginia Tech, Jason Higgins discusses his award-winning book Prisoners After War: Veterans in the Age of Mass Incarceration with a book signing to follow the talk. Higgins traces the lifelong effects of war, inequality, disability, and mental illness, and explores why hundreds of thousands of veterans, from Vietnam to Afghanistan, were caught up in the carceral system. The book talk will run from 12:00pm to about 12:40pm, upstairs in Building W-16. You are welcome to bring a snack into the talk, purchase food there, or visit Bunnyman Brewing Cafe after the talk.
If you have someone who would like to join for the author talk, they are welcome to meet us after the hike.

This 6.5 mile hike will explore some of the less-traveled trails of the Workhouse/Lorton Prison past abandoned structures including the Slaugherhouse and Dairy, connecting to the Cross County Trail and Giles Run Trail. These trails run between the Workhouse and Lorton Reformatory. The 3,200 acre Lorton complex began as a prison farm for nonviolent offenders called the Occoquan Workhouse, and grew into seven different facilities. It was one of the few prisons in the US to include Minimum, Medium, Maximum, Super Max, Youth and Women's facilities. The 91 year prison history includes the suffragists who were arrested and force-fed after picketing the White House for the right to vote, the National Nike Missile Site used during the Cold War, and Vietnam War protesters held here after the 1967 March on the Pentagon. Celebrities including Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald performed for prisoners and guards as part of a local Jazz Festival. By the 70's, this "Prison of Terror" was considered one of the most violent and overcrowded in the country. It closed in 2001.

This hike will be on paved, gravel and dirt switchback trails, with a minor stream crossing. Please make sure you are comfortable with the distance, elevation and pace of 2.5-3 mph. Post-hike rehydration for those who are interested at Bunnyman Brewing, located within the Workhouse campus.

Distance: ~ 6.5 miles
Elevation Gain: ~ 400 feet
Hike pace: ~ 2.5-3 mph when moving
Restrooms: Bunnyman Brewing Cafe has a restroom that will be open
Entrance fee: None
Dogs: Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Leader: Kris N. (618) 623-2484

How to get there: From I-95 South, exit 163. At the end of the exit ramp take a right onto Lorton Rd. Follow Lorton Rd for 2.1 miles then turn left on to Workhouse Road. In 0.5 miles turn left at the sign for the Workhouse. Then take the first right and park (one of the North Parking lots). I'll be at the picnic tables across from the big green barn. Please arrive by 8:45 am so we can get everyone checked in.