What Happened to National Parks During WWII?
I've always wondered what happened to National Parks during the largest conflict the World has ever known...
I've always wondered what happened to National Parks during the largest conflict the World has ever known...
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37°56'4.26"N, 75°22'32.44"W
Assateague Island
Maryland
Virginia
Discover one of the few places in America where horses roam free. Assateague Island is a barrier island between Maryland and Virginia.
42°22'50.07"N, 76°52'24.41"W
Watkins Glen State Park
New York
Experience one of the most visited parks in the Finger Lake region of New York State.
42°54'37.14"N, 76°47'47.43"W
Women's Rights NHP
New York
From the Statues, to the Church, and Museum, take a tour and learn about the history of Women's Rights in Seneca Falls.
In the Battle of Vicksburg, which was fought from March 29 to July 4, 1863, the Union army, under the command of General Ulysses S. Grant, laid siege to the city of Vicksburg, Mississippi, hoping to gain control of the Mississippi River. The Confederate army, led by General John C. Pemberton, was determined to stop them. For 47 days, the two armies fought a grinding battle of attrition, with neither side able to gain an advantage. In the end, the Union army prevailed and the city of Vicksburg surrendered. Today, the site of the battle is preserved at Vicksburg National Military Park. Visitors can see the reconstructed fortifications and trenches that were so important to the outcome of the battle.
Go to park pageThe Richmond National Battlefield Park commemorates 13 American Civil War sites around Richmond, Virginia, which served as the capital of the Confederate States of America for most of the war. The park connects certain features within the city with defensive fortifications and battle sites around it. The city of Richmond was heavily fortified during the Civil War, and the park includes both Confederate and Union earthworks as well as several preserved buildings from the time period. The battlefield sites around Richmond saw some of the heaviest fighting of the war, including the Battles of Seven Pines, Malvern Hill, and Gaines' Mill.
Go to park pageOn June 10, 1864, Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest and his Confederate cavalry rode into history with a resounding victory at Brices Cross Roads. Forrest's troops routed and dispersed a much larger Union force, capturing over 1,600 prisoners and 17 guns in the process. However, this victory came at a high cost for the Confederates. In the aftermath of the battle, Forrest's men were unable to pursue and destroy the fleeing Union troops. As a result, the Union army was able to regroup and continue its advance into Tennessee. In the end, Brices Cross Roads was a significant victory for Forrest, but it did little to stem the tide of Union victories in the Western Theater.
Go to park pageHagerman Fossil Beds National Monument preserves one of the richest fossil deposits from the late Pliocene epoch, around 3.5 million years ago. It's renowned for its diverse collection of fossilized plants and animals, including ancient horses, mastodons, and birds. The site provides a glimpse into prehistoric ecosystems and offers opportunities for research and education. Visitors can explore the area's geological wonders and learn about the region's evolutionary history.
Go to park pageEverglades National Park is the ultimate wilderness experience. It's the third largest national park in the lower 48 states and home to 200,000 alligators, the elusive Florida panther, and untold numbers of Burmese pythons. The Everglades is also the largest subtropical wilderness in America, making it a great place for biking, canoeing, fresh and saltwater fishing. And be sure to take a ranger-led tour to deepen your experience.
Go to park pageWatkins Glen State Park in New York’s Finger Lakes region is famous for its stunning gorge and 19 waterfalls along a two-mile trail. Highlights include Rainbow Falls, where water flows over a stone walkway, creating a magical scene. Visitors can explore the gorge and rim trails, camp, picnic, or swim in the park’s pool. With its dramatic scenery and rich history as a tourist destination since the 1860s, Watkins Glen remains one of the most popular state parks in New York, especially during summer and fall when the foliage and waterfalls are at their most breathtaking.
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