42. What year did the flag get placed on the rock that was eventually named Flag Rock?
A. 1800's
N 36 56.561 W 082 33.082
B. 1920's
N 36 56.156 W 082 33.820
C. 2000
N 36 56.615 W 082 33.280
The Woodbooger always picks B.
The 2.5 acre Flag Rock Recreation Area was dedicated on October 12, 1974. The story of how the American flag came to be posted atop the rock pillar dates back to the 1920's when a German immigrant is said to have climbed the rock and erected the flag as a patriotic gesture and symbol of love for his newfound home.
The magnificence of Virginia's mountain country is displayed with great impression upon the human eye from Flag Rock. Flag Rock had it's beginnings as a legend of many years ago. That legend has been carried forward by the City of Norton to create a beautiful and unique park area. Beyond, as far as the eye can see in all directions, are the ranges of the Cumberland Mountains. Enjoy a bit of hiking on a 1.5 mile trail from the nearby Legion Park that climbs 1000ft in elevation to the overlook at Flag Rock, or ride a bike on one of the ten biking trails from novice to expert.
Norton was founded in 1894 and was established as an independent city in 1954. The City of Norton is the smallest city in the state of Virginia at 7.5 square miles and is closer to seven other state capitals than to the Virginia State Capital in Richmond.
In 2011 Animal Planet's tv show "Finding Bigfoot" spent a week in Southwest Virginia filming an episode that features scenes from High Knob. After the filming, the City of Norton passed a resolution declaring their city a Sanctuary for the Bigfoot/Sasquatch, locally known as the Woodbooger. The city erected a statue and designated the Flag Rock Recreation Area a "Woodbooger Sanctuary". When walking the gravel footpath to the Flag Rock Overlook, you can't miss the giant statue of the Woodbooger creature located just beyond the parking area.
While the City of Norton is famous for being home to the fabled "Woodbooger", it is also home to another creature, one lesser known than the Woodbooger, but just as fascinating. The Green Salamander (Aneides aaneus) can be found in abundance in and around the city's property on High Knob and is one of the most interesting salamanders in Southwest Virginia. Chances are you may stumble across one during your visit above the city. The salamander is also the favorite snack of the Woodbooger, so you may catch a glimpse of this elusive creature when it's snack time.
We hope you enjoy your visit to the City of Norton, home of the Woodbooger.