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Want to explore this topic in person? The parks below offer a first-hand opportunity to discover more stories, people, and places.

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Park Connections

Biographer for Lincoln

Carl Sandburg was a poet, historian, and supporter of the Civil Rights Movement who won three Pulitzer prizes and a Grammy.

The Father of Black History

Called “the father of Black History,” Dr. Woodson used his DC home as the headquarters for what is now known ASALH.

Writing for Rights

Paul Lawrence and Alice Ruth Moore Dunbar wrote poetry, essays, and newspaper columns advocating for civil rights.

Creator of Detective Literature

Edgar Allan Poe influenced the genres of dark romanticism, science fiction, and Gothic fiction, as well as future authors.

Land of the Free

Francis Scott Key was a poet who wrote the “Star Spangled Banner” while being held hostage by the British during the War of 1812.

Fighting for Equality and Justice

Frederick Douglass was one of the nation's most influential abolitionist, orator, and authors advocating for civil rights.

The Father of the National Parks

John Muir’s work as a naturalist, author, environmentalist, and botanist greatly influenced the creation of several parks.

America’s Gentle Fellow

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, best known for "Paul Revere's Ride" and "The Song of Hiawatha," was a poet and abolitionist.

REFORMING LABOR

Sarah Bagley was the first female telegraph operator and the president of the Lowell Female Labor Reform Association.

Spreading the Word

Tappan Adney brought the gold rush home to many people through his first-hand accounts published in Harper’s Weekly articles.

Bethune achieved her greatest recognition at this DC townhouse. It was also the first headquarters of the NCNW.

Father of the American Conservation

George Perkins Marsh wrote "Man and Nature" to warn against deforestation and the misuse of natural land by humans.

“Enough To Keep You Busy For Life”

Eudora Welty was an author, Mississippi native, and Pulitzer Prize winner who wrote about the Natchez Trace.

A Symbol of Opportunity

Emma Lazarus worked on Ward Island and wrote “The New Colossus” which is inscribed on the inner wall of the Statue of Liberty.

“The Poet of the People”