Parker Field Annex

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Parker Field Annex in Virginia is a historic site that offers visitors a glimpse into the state's aviation history.


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Summary

The annex served as a major airport during the mid-20th century and played a crucial role in World War II.

One of the main reasons to visit Parker Field Annex is to learn about the history of aviation in Virginia and the United States. The site offers a variety of exhibits and artifacts that showcase the evolution of aviation technology and its impact on society.

Visitors can also explore the various aircraft on display at the annex, including the F-14 Tomcat, F-86 Sabre, and T-33 Shooting Star. These planes have been meticulously restored and are a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the engineers who designed them.

In addition to the aircraft exhibits, Parker Field Annex offers visitors a chance to experience what it was like to fly during the golden age of aviation. The site features flight simulators and other interactive exhibits that allow visitors to feel as though they are in the cockpit of a vintage airplane.

One interesting fact about Parker Field Annex is that it was originally built in the 1930s as a municipal airport for the city of Richmond. During World War II, the airport was used as a training facility for fighter pilots, and it played an important role in the war effort.

The best time of year to visit Parker Field Annex is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. Visitors should also be aware that the site is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so it's best to plan accordingly.

Overall, Parker Field Annex is a must-see destination for anyone interested in aviation history and the role that Virginia played in shaping the industry. With its impressive exhibits, interactive displays, and unique artifacts, the annex offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of flight.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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