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Made
In America:
10
National Parks That Reflect the American Spirit
|
Washington,
DC – July 2017 / Newsmaker Alert / To
understand America, one needs to go no further than the closest national
park. National parks commemorate the
people, places, and events that have shaped the American experience. These
national treasures serve as tangible reminders of what it means to be made
in America.
“There
is nothing more American made than our national parks,” said acting National
Park Service Director Michael T. Reynolds. “Each of our country’s 417
national parks tells a chapter of the American story. Each has a compelling
tale of innovation, ingenuity, adventure, accomplishment, triumph, or tragedy
that is part of our collective identity.”
The
national park idea is an American concept, born in the United States with
the establishment of Yellowstone National Park in 1872. To preserve a place
of great beauty and wonderment for all to enjoy, instead of a privileged
few, was an example of democracy in action. Other parks soon followed and
today the model has been adapted by virtually every country in the world,
with many turning to the National Park Service for expertise in park operations
and management.
Our
national parks preserve sites with remarkable landscapes, unique geology,
rugged wilderness, outstanding recreation, and meaningful history. Each
is truly significant. Following are ten that are excellent examples of
parks that help define the spirit of made in America. View
a photograph of each featured park.
Fort
McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Successful
defense of this fort during the War of 1812 inspired Francis Scott Key
to write the iconic poem that became the lyrics to the National Anthem.
Key penned the Star-Spangled Banner from a ship in Baltimore Harbor after
he saw the garrison flag still flying high, signaling victory, in the dawn’s
early light after a night of ferocious bombardment from the British Navy.
Golden
Spike National Historic Site
East
and west met here when the final spike in construction of the first transcontinental
railroad was planted in 1869. The joining of 1,776 miles of Central Pacific
and Union Pacific railroad track provided a backbone to the country and
spurred intense western expansion and economic growth.
Homestead
National Monument of America
The
Homestead Act of 1862 had an immediate and enduring effect upon America.
The promise of free land propelled families, immigrants, women, and freed
slaves west in pursuit of the American Dream. This time of westward expansion
forever changed the American landscape and propelled industrial advancement,
agricultural development, and diverse settlement.
Independence
National Historical Park
Walk
in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers and see the places where they
debated, created, and masterfully articulated the ideals and principles
that guide our nation. Visit Independence Hall where they signed the Declaration
of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Then tour Congress Hall where
the ideals of the documents were put into practice, including the first
peaceful transfer of power between presidents.
Lowell
National Historical Park
This
park recalls the history and legacy of America’s Industrial Revolution.
Buildings, including a “mill girl” boarding house and the Boott Cotton
Mills Museum with 88 operating looms, illustrate the nation’s transition
from an agriculture to industry based economy and the societal changes
that accompanied it.
Mississippi
National River and Recreation Area
The
Mississippi River was a lifeline for American settlers and it remains an
integral part of our country’s identity. The Mighty Mississippi is a nationally
significant resource for its natural, cultural, historic, scenic, recreational,
economic, and scientific features.
New
Orleans Jazz National Historical Park
The
park preserves and perpetuates knowledge and understanding of jazz from
its origins in New Orleans through its continued evolution. Jazz music
was born in America, come hear a performance in the city where it all began.
Rosie
the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park
During
a time of conflict and fear, the American people pulled together to support
the troops fighting in World War II. This park commemorates the contributions
and “We can do it” attitude of shipyard workers stateside, including women.
Wright
Brothers National Memorial
America
is the home of many inventors who have changed the world; notable among
them are Orville and Wilbur Wright. The Wright Brothers transformed the
history of aviation when they made the first sustained flight in a heavier-than-air
machine here in 1903. With courage and perseverance, the self-taught engineers
relied on teamwork and application of the scientific process to challenge
the impossible.
Yellowstone
National Park
This
home to wondrous thermal features, landscapes, and wildlife was established
as the world’s first National Park in 1872. When the U.S. Congress passed
the legislation and President Ulysses S. Grant signed the legislation creating
the park, they set a precedent that, as a society, we would preserve our
most treasured places for all to enjoy. The idea of protected public lands
has since been adopted around the globe.
About
the National Park Service
More
than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 417 national
parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local
history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at
www.NPS.gov,
on Facebook Facebook.com/nationalparkservice,
Twitter Twitter.com/natlparkservice,
and YouTube YouTube.com/nationalparkservice.
Contacts:
Kathy
Kupper (NPS)
202-208-6843
Allison
Garcia (NPS)
202-208-6843 |