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Minute Man offers a variety of special events and ranger programs to the visiting public. These programs run from Memorial Day weekend in May through the end of October. We will post updates on Facebook and Instagram . For questions about program status please call (978)369-6993 or email. Events sponsored by the Friends of Minute Man National Park Explore, Learn, Protect Do you care about explorin…
26 parks and sites (NPS)
Minute Man National Historical Park
Minute Man offers a variety of special events and ranger programs to the visiting public. These programs run from Memorial Day weekend in May through the end of October. We will post updates on Facebook and Instagram . For questions about program status please call (978)369-6993 or email. Events sponsored by the Friends of Minute Man National Park
Natchez Trace Parkway
Explore, Learn, Protect Do you care about exploring, learning about, and protecting the Natchez Trace? If yes, become a Junior Ranger! There are many ways to be a Junior Ranger badge at Natchez Trace Parkway, and this fun activity book is a great place to start. This booklet includes activities like mazes, coloring, drawings, and more to help you learn about the Natchez Trace. Discover all the park has to offer, from ecosystems to wildlife to American Indian culture to the southeast United States. Become a Junior Ranger Download both parts of the book or see below for other ways to get your book. Download Natchez Trace Parkway Junior Ranger Booklet Part 1 Download Natchez Trace Parkway Junior Ranger Booklet Part 2 We have Junior Ranger activity books waiting for you at our four visitors centers on the Natchez Trace Parkway. You can also receive a digital copy by contacting the park ahead of time via email or by calling 1-800-305-7417. To earn a badge with a Junior Ranger book, complete the fun-filled activities and return your completed book to a ranger at a visitor center desk, take the Junior Ranger pledge, and earn your badge! Don't have enough time to finish the book while you are in the park? No problem! Send your book back to the park when you complete it. A ranger will check your work and mail the book back to you with a badge and signed certificate. Mailing Address: Natchez Trace Parkway Attn: Junior Ranger Program 2680 Natchez Trace Parkway Tupelo, MS 38804
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Distance: 6.6 mile roundtrip hike Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous Hiking Time: 3+ hours This trail leads visitors through the climactic stages of the Second Battle of Manassas. Fighting occurred on August 28-30,1862 between Confederate troops under the command of Gen. Robert E. Lee and Union forces led by Gen. John Pope. The trail begins at the Henry Hill Visitor Center and heads north, past the Stone House (open seasonally), to Buck Hill where Pope established his headquarters. From here, visitors can look west to the area of the unfinished railroad where Stonewall Jackson placed his Confederate forces. After reaching Matthews Hill and crossing Sudley Road, the trail continues along the graded railroad bed leading to a clearing at the Deep Cut, the scene of a bloody battle where Jackson's troops turned back a major assault on the final day of the battle. The trail then turns south and passes the Lucinda Dogan House (one of three surviving Civil War-era structures in the park). Crossing Rt. 29, the trail winds towards New York Avenue where monuments mark the site where the 5th and 10th New York regiments were slaughtered in a massive Confederate counterattack that swept eastward toward Chinn Ridge. fter touring the Chinn Ridge area, scene of severe fighting on August 30,1862, the trail leads back to Henry Hill, where the final struggle during Second Manassas played out. Signage along Sudley Road describes the final phases of the Battle.
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Distance: 5.4 mile circuit hike Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous Hiking Time: 2+ hours This extended hike leads visitors over the landscape where on a warm July day in 1861, the newly formed Union and Confederate armies clashed for the first time. The trail begins at the Visitor Center and leads you through forested areas, emerging at the Stone Bridge. After following Bull Run upstream, the trail turns west and meanders over farm fields and woods. Emerging out on to the open crest of Matthews Hill, site of the opening phase of combat during First Manassas, visitors can observe much of the battlefield landscape. The trail descends into the valley of Young's Branch, and passes the historic Stone House (open seasonally). The building, which dates to the second quarter of the nineteenth century, served as an aide station during both battles of Manassas. After crossing Lee Highway (Route 29) at the pedestrian crosswalk, the trail heads up Henry Hill to the scene of fierce artillery clashes from opposing guns. Caught in the middle was Henry house, home of Judith Carter Henry, an elderly widow, who refused to evacuate her home during the battle and was killed by cannon fire (she is buried nearby). ear this spot, Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Jackson earned his nickname "Stonewall," as his presence on horseback rallied the shattered Confederates for a final push that sent the Union forces into retreat.
Minute Man National Historical Park
Hartwell Tavern is a restored 18th century home located along the Battle Road in Minute Man National Historical Park. The tavern sits on a beautifully restored section of the battlefield and is the heart of our Living History operations at Minute Man. The grounds around Hartwell remain open sunrise to sunset. Living History at Hartwell Tavern: If you visit during the operational season, you will have an opportunity to explore the interior of Hartwell Tavern and talk with interpreters dressed in eighteenth century attire. Learn about the experiences of the Hartwell Family on April 19, 1775 or talk about popular drinks consumed in the 18th tavern room! During the summer and fall National Park Service staff will also conduct musket firing demonstrations outside the tavern. Park at 112 North Great Road, Lincoln, MA, walk dirt path 1/4 mile north to Tavern.
History at Sunset
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park
History at Sunset is an annual series that focuses on areas rarely visited, stories rarely told, or familiar sites seen through a different lens. Park rangers lead each History at Sunset program. All programs are free and take place every other Saturday evening at 6:30 pm. Most include walking, with distances ranging from about 0.5 to 1.5 miles. Participants are recommended to bring bug spray and water and to wear sturdy and comfortable walking shoes. 2026 History at Sunset Schedule All programs begin at 6:30 pm and are about 90 minutes. June 13 – Decisions and Consequences: The First Shots at Chancellorsville, May 1, 1863 6:30 pm-8 pm Battlefield hike; 1 mile; meet at the May 1 Battlefield (American Battlefield Trust), 6159 Plank Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22407 At the beginning of the Battle of Chancellorsville, the US Army of the Potomac stole a vital march on the Confederates at Fredericksburg and threatened to catch them in a vise. Hooker's initial approach and subsequent decision to withdraw had profound consequences on the battle. We will examine the area of the heaviest fighting on May 1 and discuss the decisions that made the Battle of Chancellorsville. The walk will be on well-maintained trails and will cover about one mile including climbing a hill with a moderate to easy slope. June 27 – The Revolution and Its Legacy 6:30 pm-8 pm Mostly stationary talk; meet Chatham 120 Chatham Lane, Fredericksburg, VA 22405 Explore the many ways that Chatham’s William Fitzhugh and other local citizens supported the American Revolution through money and armaments. With the young nation embroiled in war again less than a hundred years later, how did Civil War soldiers camped in Stafford County understand the legacy of the revolutionary generation? Bring a lawn chair and join park rangers for a mostly stationary program at Chatham. July 11 – Jackson’s Flank Attack in History and Memory 6:30 pm-8 pm Mostly stationary talk; meet at Chancellorsville Battlefield Tour Stop 8, Jackson’s Flank Attack Due to inclement weather forecast this program has been moved to the Chancellorsville Visitor Center Auditorium. How did this legendary assault transpire, what were the real impacts, and why is it so exalted? Join park rangers as they separate truth from fiction while investigating this famous event. July 25 – Untold Stories of the Sunken Road 6:30 pm-8 pm Walk; about .25 mile; park in the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center parking lot at 1013 Lafayette Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Take a deep dive into the history of the Sunken Road beyond our regular programming to learn about the people and moments that shaped this iconic landscape. This special evening tour will include rotating stations along the Sunken Road each covering a unique story. This program will include walking about .25 mile over the Sunken Road on the Fredericksburg Battlefield. August 8 – Bullock House Site: Battle of Chancellorsville on May 3 6:30 pm-8 pm Battlefield hike; about 1 mile; meet at Chancellorsville Battlefield Tour Stop 2, Bullock House Site On May 3, 1863, the Battle of Chancellorsville roared around the home of Oscar and Catherine Bullock. Join park staff to learn how the fighting that day changed the course of the battle and how the people who lived here contended with the aftermath of war. This program will meet at the Bullock House Site on the Chancellorsville Battlefield and will include a walk along a wooded trail of approximately 1 mile.
Visit the Wayside: Home of Authors, Wed & Sun, July 5 - Sept 5, 2026
Minute Man National Historical Park
The Wayside is open on Sunday and Wednesday, 1:00 - 5:00 pm. July 5 - September 5, 2026 Guided tours at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00pm Witness to over 300 years of history! From revolutionary patriots to famous authors, the Wayside has played host to many influential thinkers in American History. Learn more about the Wayside: Home of Authors by clicking here!
Bike the Tour Road
Saratoga National Historical Park
While Saratoga National Historical Park preserves the sites associated with the 1777 Battles of Saratoga, we’re also known to be a very popular spot for cycling; no matter your level of expertise. The grounds of Saratoga National Historical Park are open daily, year-round, from sunrise to sunset; cyclists are able to ride the tour road at any time, weather and conditions permitting. Check on updates to our operating hours to see when the Tour Road is open. Bikes must remain on paved surfaces and follow all New York State bicycle laws. Off-road use is not permitted. Bike Rentals Find out about bike rentals at Saratoga National Historical Park from BikeSaratoga. What to Expect BRING WATER! There is no water available along the tour road and fountains are turned off during the winter months. The tour road is a 9.5-mile, paved, one way road with a 25 mph speed limit and a multi-use lane on the right hand side. A bicycle is considered a vehicle and must follow the posted speed limit and one way flow of traffic. At the end of the tour road, cyclists will need to turn right and ride 1.5 miles back to the visitor center (if this is where you started). In total, the "battlefield loop" is about 11 miles and contains steep inclines and downhills. You will probably use every gear your bike has! Need a shorter ride? A service road is available just after the 5-mile mark; it is indicated by a brown and white sign next to the bike lane. NOTE: this service road is gravel and there is a steep hill; for your safety, please walk. If you decide to turn around and head back to the parking lot going against the flow of traffic, walk your bikes on the right side of the road or in the grass. Pedestrians have right of way in pedestrian/bike lane. There are 10 parking areas along the 11-mile loop for you take a break and explore the historical grounds this park preserves. This isn’t a race, so take your time and enjoy your surroundings. Watch out for wildlife on the road. Deer can be tame and just stand on the road as you approach. Whether you've ridden the battlefield before or not, be sure to check out our additional tips below for a fun (and safe) ride at Saratoga NHP!
Be a Valley Forge Junior Ranger
Valley Forge National Historical Park
Get Your Activity Book Pick up a copy of the Valley Forge Junior Ranger Activity Booklet from a ranger at the visitor center. The Visitor Center at Valley Forge is open every day from 9 AM to 5 PM (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's days). NOTE: Due to high demand and limited supply, we cannot provide physical Junior Ranger booklets or badges to large groups (larger than 10). If you have a group of 10 or fewer in need of books and badges, we can accommodate your request. Thank you for your understanding. Please consider downloading and printing the Valley Forge Junior Ranger Activity Book at home to bring to the park! Download the Valley Forge Junior Ranger Activity Book The Valley Forge Virtual Junior Ranger Program is also a good option for very large groups or anyone wishing to complete a Valley Forge Junior Ranger program without visiting the park. Earn Your Badge Follow the instructions in the book, complete the required number of activities (many of them can only be done during a visit to the park), then speak to a ranger at the visitor center to receive your official Valley Forge Junior Ranger Badge!
Hike the Wilkinson Trail
Saratoga National Historical Park
Saratoga National Historical Park preserves the sites associated with the 1777 Battles of Saratoga. Follow the footsteps of those before you as you hike along hallowed ground. The grounds of Saratoga National Historical Park are open daily, year-round, from sunrise to sunset. Check our operating hours page for updates. Stop by the visitor center to grab a trail map of the Wilkinson Trail. What to Expect BRING WATER! There is no water available along the trail and fountains are turned off during the winter months. NOTE Streams within the park are not recommended for you or your dog to drink from. Need a shorter hike? Consider the Liaison Trail "shortcut" which reduces the hike to just under 2 miles. This "shortcut" is identified by a small sign labeled "Liaison Trail" and cuts across the historic Freeman Farm area between "Station F" and "Station N". Learn along the way There are 14 lettered "stations" (A-N) along the 4.2-mile trail which serve as trailmarkers and reference points for audio tour. The audio tour is available through this link or you can download the National Park Service app and find them under "Self-Guided Tours" on Saratoga National Historical Park's page. There is also a kids tour at this link that takes you along the shortcut Liaison Trail and can also be found on the NPS app in the same place. This isn’t a race, so take your time, enjoy your surroundings, and learn a little history!
Fredericksburg National Cemetery Luminaria
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park
The Fredericksburg National Cemetery Luminaria is an annual event featuring over 15,000 lanterns in the cemetery – one for each soldier buried in the cemetery grounds. This event takes place on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend. The luminaria honors soldiers who have died in the service of this country. Saturday, May 23, 2026 8 pm - 11 pm Note: This event is weather-dependent. Check the park's website and social media for event updates or any cancellation information. Where The cemetery is located at the intersection of Sunken Road and Lafayette Boulevard. Attendees may park at the University of Mary Washington lot at the corner of William Street and Sunken Road. The Fredericksburg Trolley will provide free shuttle service between the parking area and the national cemetery. Accessible parking for vehicles with state-issued accessible hangtags or license plates will be available in the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center lot at 1013 Lafayette Boulevard. About the Luminaria Join us for the 31st annual luminaria at the Fredericksburg National Cemetery on Saturday, May 23, 2026. Visit the cemetery between 8 pm to 11 pm to experience the luminaria. This event is free to the public. During the luminaria, 15,300 candles brighten the Fredericksburg National Cemetery. Each candle represents a soldier buried in the cemetery and honors those who died in the service of this country. Throughout the evening a bugler will play “Taps” every 30 minutes as park staff posted throughout the cemetery relate stories about those interred here. The Fredericksburg National Cemetery was established in 1866 and remained open for military burials until 1945. It holds the remains of 15,243 soldiers, sailors and Marines, most of whom died during the Civil War. At least 85% of the graves are unidentified, resulting in over 12,770 unknown individuals buried in the cemetery. The annual luminaria has served as a poignant tribute to the fallen since 1996. Learn more about the Fredericksburg National Cemetery . This event would not be possible without the assistance of local Scouts, who volunteer to set up and light the luminarias. A separate commemorative observation will be held at the Fredericksburg National Cemetery on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25th. Please note that pets are not permitted in the cemetery.
Paddle the Sassafras River Water Trail
Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail
About the River and Trail Over 20 miles long, the Sassafras River traces the shores of Maryland’s Cecil and Kent counties before reaching its confluence with the Chesapeake Bay between Howell Point and Grove Point. The tributary begins near the town of Sassafras, where the heavily wooded corridor features shallow water and the average width is only around 20 feet. After passing under the Route 301 Bridge, the river widens and the landscape transitions from woodland to farmland with a few residential communities interspersed along the way. The twin ports of Georgetown and Fredericktown dominate the scenery downriver of the Route 213 Bridge, with both communities serving as busy centers for recreational boating. Between Turner’s Creek and the mouth of the Sassafras, dramatic cliffs line both sides of the river. The forested cliffs provide ideal habitat for nesting bald eagles, and the birds can often be spotted soaring overhead. Despite its relatively small size, the Sassafras is a popular destination for powerboats, paddle craft, and workboats. As such, it can be especially busy on weekends from May through October. For paddlers seeking peace and quiet, the Sassafras offers numerous creeks whose shallow waters are accessible by only the smallest vessels. History European Contact Captain John Smith arrived at the Sassafras River on August 1, 1608. He quickly met warriors from a group of people he called the Tockwogh. This name referred to a town that was located in what is now Kent County, Maryland. The Tockwogh spoke an Algonquin language that was different from the Powhatan dialect that Smith understood. Thankfully, one of the Tockwogh men spoke both languages and was able to translate. After being taken to their walled town, Smith noticed that they had iron and brass tools. The Tockwogh informed him that they had gotten these tools from their Northern neighbors, the Susquehannock. They agreed to arrange a meeting between Smith and the Susquehannock. Smith and his men explored the Elk and Susquehanna rivers while a few Tockwogh men traveled to contact the Susquehannock. The Susquehannock leaders agreed to a meeting and sailed downstream in a fleet of canoes with sixty men and loads of gifts and things to trade. Smith, five Susquehannock leaders, and two interpreters met aboard the shallop and sailed across to the Sassafras River and Tockwogh. That night there was a dance and feast. John Smith performed an Anglican prayer service, and the Susquehannock sang a song of theirs in return. Smith departed on August 8. War of 1812 From opposite sides of the Sassafras River, local militia fired at British raiders who were advancing toward Fredericktown and Georgetown. The militia fought only briefly before retreating, but the towns paid dearly. On May 6, 1813, British forces reduced much of Fredericktown to ashes; then crossed to Georgetown, setting much of it aflame as well. Catharine "Kitty" Knight reportedly persuaded the British commander to save her house and that of an elderly neighbor, two of the ten or so houses that survived the sacking of Georgetown. Other parts of the Chesapeake Bay were also impacted by the War of 1812. Learn more The Sassafras River Water Trail is managed by Sultana Education Foundation .
Chancellorsville Anniversary
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park
2026 Chancellorsville Anniversary Join us on Saturday, May 2 for special programs commemorating the Battle of Chancellorsville and on Sunday, May 10 for an open house at the "Stonewall" Jackson Death Site. May 2, 2026 at the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center Meet at battle painting outside Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center (9001 Plank Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22553) Join a ranger for two special extended versions on our daily Chancellorsville tour. 10:30 am - Jackson Wounding Walking Tour Examine the varying accounts and meanings behind the historical hyper-focus of the wounding of Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson by his own men on May 2, 1863. Consider how we analyze these different narratives, work through mysteries and evidence, and better understand the role of memory and the Lost Cause in our collective memory of this fatal night reconnaissance. 2 pm - May 3 This 2-mile, 90 minute hike will focus on the events that took place in the woods surrounding the visitor center on May 3, 1863. This walk will cover some uneven ground with roots and branches. Good shoes, sun protection, and bug spray are encouraged. The tour will walk down to the Chancellor house site, approximately one mile from the visitor center. Attendees should plan on a 2-mile round trip. May 10 at the "Stonewall" Jackson Death Site Open House at the Jackson Death Site 9 am-5 pm Drop-in 12019 Stonewall Jackson Road, Woodford, VA 22580 Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson died on May 10, 1863. Visit the farm office of the Fairfield Plantation, the building that Jackson died in, and reflect on the life and legacy of this historical figure.
Upcoming programs and events at parks in this collection (from the NPS Events API).
Fort McHenry holds a unique honor as the very first site to receive a presidential proclamation requiring the U.S. flag to fly 24 hours a day, 365 days a year . Each day, you’re invited to join park staff for our morning and evening flag‑changing traditions. Discover why the flag became a powerful symbol during the Battle of Baltimore and how it became deeply tied to the nation’s story as the inspiration behind the Star-Spangled Banner. In the mornings, we raise a replica of a historic flag. In the evenings, we lift an all‑weather flag that proudly flies through the night. Don’t just read about history—experience it! Plan your visit, join a flag program, and be part of a tradition that connects us to the nation’s story. *Flag changes are weather dependent.
Fort McHenry holds a unique honor as the very first site to receive a presidential proclamation requiring the U.S. flag to fly 24 hours a day, 365 days a year . Each day, you’re invited to join park staff for our morning and evening flag‑changing traditions. Discover why the flag became a powerful symbol during the Battle of Baltimore and how it became deeply tied to the nation’s story as the inspiration behind the Star-Spangled Banner. In the mornings, we raise a replica of a historic flag. In the evenings, we lift an all‑weather flag that proudly flies through the night. Don’t just read about history—experience it! Plan your visit, join a flag program, and be part of a tradition that connects us to the nation’s story. *Flag changes are weather dependent.
The 19-minute park orientation film Determined to Persevere: The Valley Forge Encampment is shown daily on the hour and the half-hour in the Theater at Valley Forge. The first screening is at 9:30 AM and the final screening is at 4:30 PM. The movie, narrated by Laura Linney, tells the story of the winter 1777-1778 encampment of the Continental Army at Valley Forge, and was filmed on location in 2018 and 2019. If you are unable to attend a screening of the orientation film during a visit to the park, you can always watch it online! Watch the park orientation film online
At 11:00 a.m. meet a Park Ranger at the benches by the North Bridge for this daily 30 minute program. Learn about the momentous battle at Concord’s North Bridge, where the British Army suffered its first casualties of the war, and the legacy of this event in American History. This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of Minute Man National Park
Tuesdays and Wednesdays, June 2 through October 21 10 am and 1 pm Join Eisenhower NHS Park Rangers for free guided walking tours of the historic Eisenhower farm landscape. These programs are one hour long. Meet the ranger in front of the Eisenhower home. Note: these programs do not include a tour of the Eisenhower home. They are grounds tours only.
Regularly scheduled tours of the Eisenhower home will take place Thursdays through Mondays, from Thursday, May 28 through Monday, October 26. Home tours are first come, first served. Space may be limited depending on crowd sizes on the day of your visit. Visitors should check-in at our visitor contact station on-site and reserve a spot before their home tour program. Groups of 10 or more should reserve tour times outside of our regularly schedule home tour schedule. Click here to learn more on scheduling your group of ten or more.
Fort McHenry holds a unique honor as the very first site to receive a presidential proclamation requiring the U.S. flag to fly 24 hours a day, 365 days a year . Each day, you’re invited to join park staff for our morning and evening flag‑changing traditions. Discover why the flag became a powerful symbol during the Battle of Baltimore and how it became deeply tied to the nation’s story as the inspiration behind the Star-Spangled Banner. In the mornings, we raise a replica of a historic flag. In the evenings, we lift an all‑weather flag that proudly flies through the night. Don’t just read about history—experience it! Plan your visit, join a flag program, and be part of a tradition that connects us to the nation’s story. *Flag changes are weather dependent.
Why did the US and the Confederate armies clash in May of 1863 and why does it matter? Join park staff to learn about the Chancellorsville Campaign and dive into some of the big questions surrounding this contested battle.
Why did the US and the Confederate armies clash in May of 1863 and why does it matter? Join park staff to learn about the Chancellorsville Campaign and dive into some of the big questions surrounding this contested battle.
Why did the Battle of Fredericksburg happen in December 1862? Join a guided tour of the one of the most iconic and recognized battlefield landmarks of the war. This walking tour will cover no more than 0.5 mile over mostly flat terrain.
Why did the Battle of Fredericksburg happen in December 1862? Join a guided tour of the one of the most iconic and recognized battlefield landmarks of the war. This walking tour will cover no more than 0.5 mile over mostly flat terrain.
After three long weeks, the British and their allies abandoned their attack on Fort Schuyler/Stanwix, leaving the American forces within as the victors. However, even with the immediate threat removed, the Continental Army throughout New York was still under British threat. Programs throughout the day will focus on what happened as the British retreated, but didn't surrender. A special flag ceremony at 3 pm will mark the end of the Siege.
23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or missing after twelve hours of savage combat on September 17, 1862. The Battle of Antietam ended the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia's first invasion into the North and led Abraham Lincoln to issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Conceived in 1921, built by private citizens, and completed in 1937, today the trail is managed by the National Park Service, US Forest Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, numerous state agencies and thousands of volunteers.
In the 1840s the Arkansas River was the border between territory claimed by the United States and Mexico. Located along the river, Bent's Fort was an adobe trading post on the Santa Fe Trail, where traders, trappers, travelers, and the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes came together in peaceful terms for trade. Today, a reconstructed fort allows visitors to explore the front line of Westward Expansion.
Discover how one city could be the Cradle of Liberty, site of the first major battle of American Revolution, and home to many who espoused that freedom can be extended to all.
The Confederate victory at Brices Cross Roads was a significant victory for Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest, but its long-term effect on the war proved costly for the Confederates.
People first arrived in the Chesapeake Bay during the last ice age. As glaciers melted, diverse societies learned to thrive in a world of water. When Englishman Captain John Smith explored the Bay in 1608, he documented hundreds of American Indian communities. Today, sites on his map are archeological treasures and sacred sites for tribal citizens. Come join us on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay!
Before Dr. Carter G. Woodson, there was very little accurate written history about the lives and experiences of Americans of African descent. Today a National Historic Site, Dr. Woodson’s home served as the headquarters for the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Dr. Woodson established Negro History Week here in 1926, which we celebrate today as Black History Month.
Preserving America's early transportation history, the C&O Canal began as a dream of passage to Western wealth. Operating for nearly 100 years the canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River as coal, lumber, and agricultural products floated down the waterway to market. Today it endures as a pathway for discovering historical, natural, and recreational treasures.
Over 41 million acres are connected through the waters that flow to and through Chesapeake Bay. The National Park Service strives to connect people to the opportunities and adventures throughout the watershed. Inspiring stewardship across this vast region supports recreation, business, tourism, learning, and a thriving natural resource for all to enjoy.
Eisenhower National Historic Site preserves the farm of General and 34th President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Adjacent to the Gettysburg battlefield, the farm served the president and first lady as a weekend retreat and as a meeting place for world leaders. With its peaceful setting and view of South Mountain, it was a respite from Washington, DC, and a backdrop for efforts to reduce Cold War tensions.
by the dawn's early light, a large red, white and blue banner? Whose broad stripes and bright stars... were so gallantly streaming...over Fort McHenry! The valiant defense of the fort during the Battle of Baltimore on September 13-14, 1814 inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words that became the U.S. national anthem. The fort's history holds many other stories too, from the Civil War to WWII.
For centuries, the Oneida Carrying Place, a six-mile portage connecting the Mohawk River and Wood Creek, served as a vital link for those traveling by water from the ocean to the Great Lakes. When Europeans arrived, nations fought for control of the carry, the homelands of the Six Nations Confederacy, and the rich resources of North America. In this struggle, Fort Stanwix would play a vital role.
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