Dawson Farm Park

Features

Dawson Farm Park is a 7.2-acre haven that blends fun, history, and nature! This neighborhood park and forest preserve boasts a playground, pavilion, benches, and artwork. Take a stroll along the paved nature trails with your leashed dog, or relax by the stream that winds through the west side of the park near Ritchie Parkway. Keep an eye out for interpretive signs scattered throughout the park, sharing fascinating tidbits about its history.

The park is named after the historic Dawson Farm (1840-1979), settled by Lawrence A. Dawson (1807- 1875). During the Civil War, the Dawsons supported the Union, hiding and nursing soldiers. The farm was a site for troop encampments and skirmishes. Lawrence Dawson was captured by Confederate Gen. J.E.B. Stuart in 1863 but was freed the next day. After Lawrence’s death in 1875, his family continued farming until moving west. Hal Dawson managed the farm until 1879, later returning in 1911 and running it until 1937. The farm expanded to 500 acres in the 20th century and was continuously farmed until 1979. The property has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The park pavilion, built in 2003, is modeled after the original 1859 granary, which was used to store grain and farm equipment. The original granary was demolished in 1977, but the pavilion replicates its dimensions and incorporates stone from the original structure.