National Parks That Preserve and Commemorate Independence or Related Themes Additional National Park Sites That Preserve or Commemorate Independence or Related Themes
Independence National Historical Park, PA: Independence Hall and the related historical buildings which make up the park witnessed the 18th century delegates to the Second Continental Congress argue over the next step in the dangerous game of rebellion and then issue the Declaration of Independence. Eleven years later, secret deliberations and hard compromises resulted in a new frame of government to hold the country together - the Constitution of the United States. Boston National Historical Park, MA: Discover the revolutionary generation of Bostonians who blazed a trail from colonialism to independence. Boston National Historical Park is an association of sites that together give the visitor a coherent view of the city's role in the nation's history. Colonial National Historical Park, VA: The park encompasses five units spanning over 9,000 acres and 174 years. The sites mark the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown and the last battle of the American Revolution at Yorktown -- literally the beginning and end of English colonial America. The 23-mile Colonial Parkway provides a link between the two sites. Join National Park Service rangers for interpretive tours and drive the historic tour roads. Experience the sense of place that formed the character of a nation in the 17th and 18th centuries. Saratoga National Historical Park, NY: Site of the first significant American military victory during the Revolution, the Battles of Saratoga ranks among the most decisive battles in world history. Here in 1777, American forces met, defeated and forced a major British army to surrender, an event which led France to recognize the independence of the United States and enter the war as a decisive military ally of the struggling Americans. Appomattox
Court House National Historical Park, VA: On Palm Sunday,
April 9, 1865 General Robert E. Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia
to Lt. General Ulysses S. Grant signaling the end of the Southern States'
attempt to create a separate nation. The surrender at the small village
of Appomattox Court House in Virginia set the stage for the emergence
of an expanded and more powerful Federal government. In a large sense
the struggle between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists, in Philadelphia,
over how much power the central government would hold over the states
had finally been settled. The end of the war led directly to the adoption
of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments to the Constitution – ending
slavery, providing citizenship and the right to vote (for males only,
women would not get the right to vote until 1920). Women’s Rights National Historical Site, NY: The Park consists of four major historical properties and a state of the art Visitor Center. Start at the Visitor Center where you can view an inspirational film and exhibits. Continue to the Wesleyan Chapel and imagine being a participant at the First Women's Rights Convention.
Washington
Monument, District of Columbia: Of all the Presidents of
the United States, George Washington is the most celebrated. Efforts to
commemorate his legacy began during his lifetime and continue to this
day. His leadership and service to the republic have been distinguished
through the naming of the federal capital, universities, streets, counties,
and a state. In addition to these honors, he has been remembered in works
of art and monumental buildings. But none have captured the imagination
of the people world-wide like the Washington Monument. The National World War II Memorial: Located on the National Mall in Washington, DC the memorial commemorates the sacrifice and celebrates the victory of the WWII generation. The World War II Memorial creates a distinct, evocative and serene tribute yet remains respectful and sensitive to its historic surroundings. The memorial was recently dedicated on May 29th, 2004. Lincoln Home National Historic Site, IL: The foundation of Abrahams Lincoln’s political beliefs rested on the idea expressed in the Declaration of Independence that, "All men are created equal …" In his time, the debate over slavery divided the country. Lincoln Home NHS gives visitors the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln. A four block historic neighborhood surrounds the only home Mr. Lincoln ever owned. Lincoln’s home is the centerpiece of the site. It has been restored to its 1860s appearance, revealing Lincoln as husband, father, politician, and President-elect. Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site: Contains "Springwood", the lifelong home of America's only four-term President. Roosevelt successfully led this nation through the greatest crises of the Twentieth Century, the Great Depression and World War II. Also on the site is the Presidential Library and Museum, operated by the National Archives. Visitors may enjoy a guided tour of FDR's home, take a self-guided tour of the Museum, or stroll the grounds, gardens, and trails of this 300-acre site. Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, KS: On October 26, 1992, Congress passed Public Law 102-525 establishing Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site to commemoratethe landmark Supreme Court decision aimed at ending segregation in public schools. On May 17, 1954, the Supreme Court unanimously declared that separate educational facilities are inherently unequal" and, as such, violate the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which guarantees all citizens "equal protection of the laws." Mount Rushmore National Memorial, SD: The four figures carved in stone on Mount Rushmore represent the first 150 years of American history. The birth of our nation was guided by the vision and courage of George Washington. Thomas Jefferson always had dreams of something bigger, first in the words of the Declaration of Independence and later in the expansion of our nation through the Louisiana Purchase. Preservation of the union was paramount to Abraham Lincoln and eventually a nation where all men were free and equal was destined to be. At the turn of the Twentieth Century, Theodore Roosevelt saw that in our nation was the possibility for greatness. Our nation was changing from a rural republic to a world power. The ideals of these presidents laid a foundation for our nation as solid as the rock from which their figures are carved. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site, GA: Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site includes a number of facilities that are operated in partnership with the National Park Service, Ebenezer Baptist Church and The King Center. Within these facilities the visitor can learn about Dr. King's life and his influence on the civil rights movement in America. The National Mall, District of Columbia: The National Mall's origins are as old as the capital city itself. The open space and parklands envisioned by Pierre L'Enfant's plan, which was commissioned by George Washington, created an ideal stage for national expressions of remembrance, observance and protest. Morristown National Historical Park, NJ: Attracted by Morristown’s strategic location, General George Washington twice chose Morristown as the site of the Continental Army’s main winter encampment during the War for Independence. The park includes the site of the fortification from the 1777 encampment, and most of the ground occupied during the vast 1779-80 encampment, where over 10,000 troops endured the worst winter of the American Revolution. The Ford Mansion, here Washington made his headquarters, is an important feature of Morristown NHP and recalls civilian contributions to the winning of Independence.
Additional National Park Sites That Preserve or Commemorate Independence or Related Themes
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