New Bedford Whaling NHP

The City That Lit The World

"The town itself is perhaps the dearest place to live in, in all New England. Nowhere in all America will you find more patrician-like houses, parks and gardens more opulent, than in New Bedford…all these brave houses and flowery gardens came from the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. One and all, they were harpooned and dragged up hither from the bottom of the sea."

Apr 9, 2011
A solo visit. A great way to learn about the early whaling industry in North America. Still much to see so a return visit is in order.

NPS webpage

Our 56th NPS Unit

Fort Stanwix NM

Six Miles Shared by Many Nations

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.

Aug 27, 2010
Another solo trip while I was working a Job in Western NY. Even though the fort is a recreation there is much to learn and take in. This is also part of the Erie Canal NHC and North Country National Scenic Trail site.

NPS webpage

Our 53rd NPS Unit

Crater Lake NP

Deep Water in a Sleeping Volcano

Crater Lake inspires awe. Native Americans witnessed its formation 7,700 years ago, when a violent eruption triggered the collapse of a tall peak. Scientists marvel at its purity: fed by rain and snow, it’s the deepest lake in the USA and one of the most pristine on earth. Artists, photographers, and sightseers gaze in wonder at its blue water and stunning setting atop the Cascade Mountain Range.

July 19, 2010
Stopped here on a cross-country trip. Spectator view, this will go on the we will be back list.

NPS Website

Our 52nd NPS Unit and 9th National Park

Hagerman Fossil Beds NM

Examine a fossiliferous Pliocene-aged site!

Do you know horses evolved in North America? The Hagerman Horse, Equus simplicidens, is the first true one toed horse. It's the park's most famous fossil but we have fossil evidence of over two hundred different species. From saber-toothed cat, mastodon, bear, camel, and ground sloth to smaller animals like rodents and frogs, the scientific study of Pliocene fossils is the key to Hagerman. 

July 16, 2010
Another stop on my solo cross-country trip. The Visitor's Center is the main attraction to see as you can't see the dig site. I took in the Visitor's Center and movie. A return trip will be needed to see all of this unit.

NPS webpage

Our 51st NPS Unit

Glacier Bay NP

Southeast Alaskan Wilderness

Covering 3.3 million acres of rugged mountains, dynamic glaciers, temperate rainforest, wild coastlines and deep sheltered fjords, Glacier Bay National Park is a highlight of Alaska's Inside Passage and part of a 25-million-acre World Heritage Site—one of the world’s largest international protected areas. From sea to summit, Glacier Bay offers limitless opportunities for adventure and inspiration.

26 Aug 2009
Took in this Park while onboard our ship during our Alaskan Cruise for our 20th Anniversary. Amazing sites and wildlife.

NPS Website

Our 50th NPS Unit and 8th National Park

Glacier Bay Preserve

Southeast Alaskan Wilderness

Covering 3.3 million acres of rugged mountains, dynamic glaciers, temperate rainforest, wild coastlines and deep sheltered fjords, Glacier Bay National Park is a highlight of Alaska's Inside Passage and part of a 25-million-acre World Heritage Site—one of the world’s largest international protected areas. From sea to summit, Glacier Bay offers limitless opportunities for adventure and inspiration.

26 Aug 2009
This is a two-part Park unit. We are counting this visit from our visit to Glacier Bay NP.  See our post from Glacier Bay NP

NPS Website

Our 49th NPS Unit

Mount Rushmore NM

American History, Alive in Stone...

Majestic figures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln, surrounded by the beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota, tell the story of the birth, growth, development and preservation of this country. From the history of the first inhabitants to the diversity of America today, Mount Rushmore brings visitors face to face with the rich heritage we all share.

Sept 12, 2001
A very emotional visit considering what transpired yesterday. We enjoyed our visit, and we toured much of the park,

NPS Website

Our 44th NPS Unit

Boston NHP

"The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people..."

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.

14 Oct 1996
We walked the Freedom Trail today. We made stops at Faneuil Hall, The old North Church and other sites along the trail. We learned allot about the history of Boston and saw many of the sites we had learned about in school. Sadie enjoyed her walk with us. Boston will be a return visit as there is so much to see and explore.

NPS Website

Our 39th NPS Unit

Appomattox Court House NHP

Beginning Peace and Reunion

On April 9, 1865, the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia in the McLean House in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia signaled the end of the nation's largest war. Two important questions about its future were answered. Could the nation survive a civil war intact, and would that nation exist without slavery? The answer to both was yes and a new nation was born.

23 Sept 1996
Visited this site today to get an understanding of the end of the Civil War. We have been to many of the Civil War battlefields, so it was fitting to see this site.

NPS Website

Our 38th NPS Unit

Clara Barton NHS

She was a remarkable person

Clara Barton dedicated her life and energies to help others in times of need - both home and abroad, in peacetime as well as during military emergencies. Glen Echo was her home the last 15 years of her life and the structure illustrates her dedication and concern for those less fortunate than herself.

21 Sept 96
An amazing site to take in. Clara Barton did so much in her life and was dedicated to helping so many in both peacetime and wartime. It was a very educational visit.

NPS Website

Our 37th NPS Unit

Antietam NB

The Bloodiest Day in American History--Hope for Freedom

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.

22 Apr 1996

We toured this park today. Such a feeling of dread when you are here. We learned why this battle took place and the way it changed the course of the Civil war.

NPS Website

Our 35th NPS Unit

Harpers Ferry NHP

Step Back in Time

A visit to this quaint, historic community, at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, is like stepping into the past.  Stroll the picturesque streets, visit exhibits and museums, or hike our trails and battlefields. Spend a day or a weekend.  We have something for everyone, so come and discover Harpers Ferry!

22 Apr 1996
So much to see and do here. With all the history of this area we will be making a return trip to continual exploring.

NPS Website

Our 34th NPS Unit

Manassas NBP

Where Southern Victories Tested Northern Resolve

On July 21, 1861, two armies clashed for the first time on the fields overlooking Bull Run. Heavy fighting swept away any notion of a quick war. In August 1862, Union and Confederate armies converged for a second time on the plains of Manassas. The Confederates won a solid victory bringing them to the height of their power.

23 Sept 1995
So much of the course of the Civil war went through this Battlefield with two major battles fought here. The first showed the North that this would not be a small civil uprising and the second brought the South to a high mark. We took in the park and Visitor Center.

NPS Website

Our 31st NPS Unit

Constitution Gardens

Officially established in 1965, National Mall and Memorial Parks actually protects some of the older parkland in the National Park System. Areas within this premier park provide visitors with ample opportunities to commemorate presidential legacies; honor the courage and sacrifice of war veterans; and celebrate the United States commitment to freedom and equality.

20 Aug 1995
A subunit of the National Mall. Karen and her mother got to spend a few days in D.C, taking in a few of the sites.

NPS Website

Our 29th NPS Unit

Korean War Veterans Memorial

Freedom Is Not Free

Our nation honors her sons and daughters who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met. Welcome to the Korean War Veterans Memorial. The Korean War Veterans Memorial was dedicated in 1995. 

Its Wall of Remembrance and 19 stainless steel statues commemorate the sacrifices of the millions of Americans and allied partners who fought during the Korean War.

20 Aug 1995

A subunit of the National Mall. Karen and her mother got to spend a few days in D.C, taking in a few of the sites.

NPS Website

Our 28th NPS Unit

Lincoln Memorial

Savior of the Union

"In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the Union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever." Beneath these words, the 16th President of the United States sits immortalized in marble as an enduring symbol of unity, strength, and wisdom.

20 Aug 1995

A subunit of the National Mall. Karen and her mother got to spend a few days in D.C, taking in a few of the sites.

NPS Website

Our 27th NPS Unit

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Founding Father 

Author of the Declaration of Independence, statesman and visionary for the founding of a nation. Dedicated by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on April 13, 1943, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial stands in a straight line with the White House. Architect John Russell Pope, influenced by Jefferson's taste in classical architecture, echoed the style seen in Jefferson's two most famous buildings -Monticello and the University of Virginia Rotunda 20 

20 Aug 1995

A subunit of the National Mall. Karen and her mother got to spend a few days in D.C, taking in a few of the sites.

NPS Website

Our 26th NPS Unit

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall

Honoring the men and women who served in the controversial Vietnam War, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial chronologically lists the names of more than 58,000 Americans who gave their lives in service to their country.

20 Aug 1995

A subunit of the National Mall. Karen and her mother got to spend a few days in D.C, taking in a few of the sites.

NPS Website

Our 25th NPS Unit

Washington Monument

First in War, First in Peace, First in the Hearts of his Countrymen

Built to honor George Washington, the United States' first president, the 555-foot marble obelisk towers over Washington, D.C.

19 Aug 1995
A subunit of the National Mall. Karen and her mother got to spend a few days in D.C, taking in a few of the sites.

NPS Website

Our 24th NPS Unit

Pennsylvania Avenue NHS

America's Main Street

A street unlike any other.  It is known the world over as the heart of the Nation's Capital. America's history has marched, paraded, promenaded, and protested its way along the Avenue.

19 Aug 1995

Karen and her mother got to spend a few days in D.C. taking in the sites. Pennsylvania Avenue is another subunit of the National Mall. They took in both the Old Post Office and the White House. These two are subunits of Pennsylvania Avenue NHS that's a subunit of you guessed it National Mall. Yes D.C. can get confusing when keeping track of park visits.

NPS Website

Our 23rd NPS Unit

National Mall

Icons of the Nation's Capital

Each year, millions of people visit National Mall and Memorial Parks to recreate, to commemorate presidential legacies, to honor our nation's veterans, to make their voices heard, and to celebrate our nation's commitment to freedom and equality.

19 Aug 1995
Karen and her mother got to take in a few of the sites in Washington D.C. Taking in all the sites of the National Mall is a daunting task. there are 16 major subunits and sub subunits plus at least 150 additional reservations, circles, fountains and park spaces throughout the downtown Washington, D.C. area. They took in 7 of the units in two days.

NPS Website

Our 22nd NPS Unit

Allegheny Portage Railroad NHS

"...Even if it's as Big as a Mountain!"

The first railroad to circumvent the Allegheny Mountains, the Allegheny Portage Railroad was the finishing piece of the Pennsylvania Mainline Canal.  "The Portage," opened in 1834, marking the first time that there was one, direct route between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.  All things to all people, it served merchants, passengers, slaves in pursuit of freedom, and soldiers from the Mexican War.

2 July 1995
We only took in a small portion of this site. There is much more to see. We will be making a return trip.

NPS Website

Our 18th NPS Unit

Johnstown Flood NM

"The Dam is Becoming Dangerous and May Possibly Go!"

The South Fork dam failed on Friday, May 31, 1889, and unleashed 20,000,000 tons of water that devastated Johnstown, PA. The flood killed 2,209 people but it brought the nation and the world together to aid the "Johnstown sufferers."  The story of the Johnstown Flood reminds us all, "...that we must leave nothing undone for the preservation and protection of our brother men."

2 July 1995
Took in this site on our 4th of July weekend getaway. Much to see and take in.

NPS Webpage

Our 17th NPS Unit

Independence NHS

"We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal..."

Goods, ideas, and people intermingled in early Philadelphia.  In this diverse city, a new republic was born.  The Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were both debated and signed inside Independence Hall.  Nearby sits the Liberty Bell, an international symbol of liberty.

10 July 1994
Got to take in Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell on this visit. There is so much more to do and see but we were on a tour and our time was limited. We will definitely be back to take more of this site in.

NPS Website

Our 14th NPS Unit

George Rogers Clark NHP

"Great things have been effected by a few men well conducted."

 The British flag would not be raised above Fort Sackville Feb. 25, 1779. At 10 a.m., the garrison surrendered to American Colonel George Rogers Clark. His American army, aided by French residents of the Illinois country, had marched through freezing floodwaters to gain this victory. The fort’s capture assured United States claims to the frontier, an area nearly as large as the original 13 states.

 12 May 1993 

 Took in this park not knowing much about George Rodger Clark. We learned much about him and enjoyed our visit.

NPS Website

Our 10th NPS Unit

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Gateway Arch NP

Gateway to the West

The Gateway Arch reflects St. Louis' role in the Westward Expansion of the United States during the nineteenth century. The park is a memorial to Thomas Jefferson's role in opening the West, to the pioneers who helped shape its history, and to Dred Scott who sued for his freedom in the Old Courthouse.

11 May 1993
Made a stop here on a trip to the East Coast. Explored the Visitors Center then took the Tram ride to the top of the Arch. We got to take in amazing views from up there.

Update - I have updated this page to reflect the name change to Gateway Arch National Park. We will wait to call this a National Park visit till we revisit.

NPS Website

Our 9th NPS Unit