History
Visit the parks that tell our nation's story.
History isn’t just found in textbooks—it’s written in the landscapes, buildings, and landmarks of our national parks. These places preserve the struggles, triumphs, and everyday lives of those who came before us, offering a deeper connection to America’s past. Whether you’re visiting a battlefield or a trading post, each site invites you to step into history and experience the stories that shaped our nation.
Where history lives
National parks are more than breathtaking landscapes—they are time capsules of America’s past. From battlefields and frontier forts to memorials, these places preserve the triumphs, struggles, and everyday lives of those who came before us. Walking through these sites, you don’t just read history—you stand where it happened.
Know before you go
Visiting historical parks is an opportunity to connect with the past, but it’s important to do so with care and respect. Here’s how to make the most of your experience:
Stay on marked paths
Many historical sites contain fragile structures, preserved artifacts, or unmarked burial grounds. Keeping to designated trails helps protect these spaces for future generations.
Leave history in place
Find an artifact on the ground? As tempting as it is to take a souvenir, removing these items erases part of the story. Instead, take a photo and report discoveries to park staff.
Be mindful at solemn sites
Many parks preserve battlefields, internment camps, and other locations tied to difficult histories. Treat these places with the reverence they deserve, keeping noise levels low and following posted guidelines.
Learn from the experts
Ranger programs, exhibits, and guided tours bring history to life. Many parks also collaborate with descendant communities to share multiple perspectives on historical events.
1 of
Parks that bring history to life
Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of revolutionaries or exploring centuries-old settlements, these are just some of the national parks help tell America’s complex and fascinating story.
Golden Spike National Historical Park
Stand where east met west in 1869 as the first transcontinental railroad was completed. The driving of the golden spike is part of a complex history that devastated Indigenous nations while undeniably transforming travel, trade, and the future.
John Muir National Historic Site
Visit the home of John Muir, one of America’s most influential and controversial conservationists. Explore his Victorian home and the surrounding orchards that inspired his lifelong fight for national parks.
Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site
Step into the secluded home of America’s only Nobel Prize-winning playwright, Eugene O’Neill. His Tao House served as a creative retreat where he wrote some of his most famous works.
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
Experience the life and legacy of the 36th president, from his humble birthplace to the "Texas White House" where he led the nation through turbulent times.
Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
A reconstructed 19th-century fur trading post where traders, trappers, and travelers from diverse backgrounds came together on the Santa Fe Trail.
Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site
The longest continuously operating trading post in the US, this site offers insight into Diné (Navajo) commerce, culture, and traditions. The post continues to serve as a vital hub for the local community. Visitors can experience traditional weaving, silversmithing, and trading practices and the fascinating home of J.L. Hubbell.
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial
Honoring the lives lost in a 1944 munitions explosion, this site tells the story of the largest homefront disaster of World War II and its role in the fight for racial equality in the US military.
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Explore historic ships, a waterfront museum, and exhibits that bring to life the rich maritime history of the Pacific Coast.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park preserves four Spanish colonial missions, each with centuries-old churches still in use today. These missions played a key role in shaping Texas history.
Chamizal National Memorial
This park tells the unique story of a border dispute between the US and Mexico, resolved diplomatically in 1963. It highlights the cultural exchange and shared history between the two nations.
Where to go
Explore parks for history
Legend
- Partner Park
- Gateway City
