Historic Times and Places

A Historical Tour of the Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway

Published on Aug 5, 2005

Decades ago the rolling hills, forests and farmland of Upstate New York were dotted with small rural communities, little more than names on a map. After 1817, the increased river trade from the completion of the Erie Canal transformed sleepy communities into industrial powerhouses. The Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway follows both the Erie Canal and the Mohawk River through the Schenectady region, highlighting the canal culture sites that changed this region forever.

A History Lover's Dream: Indiana's Historic Pathways

Published on Jul 13, 2010

Whether you're there to explore national historic sites, museums, or mansions, Indiana’s Historic Pathways is a byway fit for every history lover. In a region affected by Revolutionary War battles, the booming commerce of the Steamboat Era, and daring Civil War raids, this byway has something for any curious traveler.

Ahoy! Pirates of Calcasieu

Published on Jun 11, 2006 in The American Civil War

As you drive the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road today, you will find that the route’s history is as intriguing as the bayou’s distinctive nature. A sampling of this history can be seen in the legends of treasure left behind from when dangerous scoundrels and pirates inhabited the area. Later, the Civil War changed the face of Southwest Louisiana. Today, these historical sites and legends await your discovery.

A Journey Through Time on the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail

Published on Nov 20, 2009 in Getaways: Byways on a Budget and Goodyear’s Top 50 Scenic, Comfortable Drives

Spanning millennia, the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail holds some residue of Earth's early history, our country's early history, and today, makes its own history. The byway links 300 museums and natural areas related to the glacial carving of our landscape, the War of 1812's Battle of Lake Erie, the Great Lakes' role in the Underground Railroad, and nature's influence over industry and way of life.

America's First Interstate: The Mississippi River

Published on Mar 4, 2005

As one of the great transportation arteries on the western frontier, the Mississippi River played a crucial role in 19th century America. The mighty river represented the same ideas that our modern highways have come to symbolize: commerce, discovery, and freedom. In this way, the Mississippi River was America's first interstate.

America's Inland Maritime History Along the Great Lakes Seaway Trail

Published on Apr 17, 2008

Unfolding across the waters of Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River, the War of 1812 drew the United States into the conflict between Britain and France. Take the 518-mile-long Great Lakes Seaway Trail to visit both the historic sites that chronicle the events of this war and the many lighthouses that stand as a record of the water-based economic importance of the Great Lakes Seaway Trail region.

Appalachian Culture and History on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Published on Apr 15, 2008 in Goodyear’s Top 50 Scenic, Comfortable Drives

The diverse history and culture of the southern Appalachian Mountains awaits you along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Split-rail fences, old farmsteads, and historic structures complement views of distant mountains and neighboring valleys. While traveling this road, view the smoke-like haze that gives the Smoky Mountains their name.

Bike through Civil War History on the Natchez Trace Parkway in Mississippi

Published on Jun 7, 2011 in Get Fit! Get Active: Go Biking This Fall, The American Civil War, The American Civil War: Battles and Beyond, and The American Civil War: Lives and Legends

Watch and listen for echoes of the region's Civil War past as you bike the Natchez Trace Parkway through northern Mississippi.

Black Kettle and the Sand Creek Massacre by the Santa Fe Trail

Published on Feb 13, 2012 in The American Civil War: Lives and Legends

A short distance from the historic Santa Fe Trail in Colorado, a tragic encounter between Native American tribes and Civil War troops is commemorated at the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site.

Carriages and Calamity: History Along Acadia All American Road

Published on Apr 15, 2008

Maine's Acadia All American Road on Mount Desert Island boasts a history that spans thousands of years. From the Wabanaki Indians, who lived on the island thousands of years ago, to French explorers, to John D. Rockefeller, Jr., the region's history tells part of the story of our nation's birth. Whether you're riding an antique carriage through Acadia National Park or touring a museum, history is never far away.

Cowboys and Chapels: Hells Canyon Scenic Byway's History

Published on Apr 15, 2008

While Hells Canyon Scenic Byway attracts adventure seekers to its vast and diverse outdoor regions, it also provides a wealth of opportunities for the history fanatic. Explore tiny hundred-year-old churches, historic districts, Native American culture and more, as you travel eastern Oregon's gorgeous mountain settings.

Culture of Liberty on the Religious Freedom Byway

Published on Jun 17, 2010

Did you know Maryland citizens were once legally prohibited from worshiping as they chose? Although Maryland was founded on the premise of religious freedom, citizens weren’t able to fully exercise this right until after the American Revolution. Take a trip on the Religious Freedom Byway and watch the struggle for religious freedom unfold.

Documenting the Great River: Henry Rowe Schoolcraft

Published on Apr 18, 2006

In our era of satellite navigation and global positioning systems, we tend to take geography for granted. In the 19th Century, however, geography drove geographers to several-month expeditions into the unknown. One of the great geographers of the Mississippi was Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, who played an integral part of several expeditions to map the source of the Mississippi River along the Great River Road in Minnesota.

Encounter Our Nation's History on the Washington Heritage Trail

Published on Feb 17, 2009

Eastern West Virginia is steeped in history, and few routes will take you to the core of that history like the Washington Heritage Trail. Drive this road past scenic state parks, Washington family homes and five charming 18th-century historical towns, where you encounter interactive evidence of our country's rich past, including influential individuals like founding father, George Washington, and national social struggles such as the Civil War. In addition, each town offers contemporary attractions that keep them vibrant 21st-century centers.

England's Colonization of America on the Colonial Parkway

Published on Apr 17, 2008

Journey through 167 years of the English colonial experience in America on the Colonial Parkway in Virginia. Enjoy spectacular views of the James and York Rivers at many historic turnouts along your way to the three historic old towns of Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown.

Escape the Norm with a Drive Along the Merritt Parkway

Published on Feb 17, 2009

"One can build a concrete highway anywhere … But the Merritt Parkway is different. More than any 'futurama' at the World's Fair, … it shows what the highway of the future really should look like—a highway where the eye is filled with beauty and the mind with peace." —Bridgeport Post, 1938

Experience Rural History on the Connecticut River Byway

Published on Jul 21, 2005

Historic sites dot the landscape of the Connecticut River Byway, each beckoning you to stop and visit. The Upper Connecticut River Valley evokes the way things used to be. You'll feel like you are home here. Complementary to the charm of neighboring historic communities, the byway landscape showcases the beauty of the Connecticut River.

Explore Civil War History on the Plantations of Louisiana's Great River Road

Published on Dec 8, 2010 in The American Civil War

Follow the calm waters of the Mississippi River through Louisiana and explore the living history of the American Civil War through some of the best-preserved remnants of that era – the stately plantation homes of the Great River Road.

Find Civil War History on the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike

Published on Feb 17, 2009 in The American Civil War

Set amidst the mountainous Monongahela National Forest, the historic Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike offers you a rewarding experience that unfolds with every curve in the road. Take the Turnpike across West Virginia, a state steeped in Civil War remnants, and find golden historical treasures all along the way from the upper Shenandoah Valley to the Ohio River.

Flagler's Playground: St. Augustine in the Late 19th Century

Published on Mar 1, 2005

If the charm of St. Augustine hadn't captured the imagination of Henry Flagler, the history of the Florida peninsula would have been drastically different. His contributions and constructions revitalized the state of Florida, and breathed life back into the historic city of St. Augustine.

Follow the Footsteps of Progress on the Selma to Montgomery March

Published on Jun 30, 2011 in Get Fit! Get Active: Walking Tours

Slip on some good walking shoes and step into the footsteps of history as you take the Martin Luther King, Jr. Street Historic Walking Tour in Selma, Alabama on the Selma to Montgomery March Byway.

Follow the Great River Road for Native American History

Published on Apr 15, 2008

Follow the Great River Road into the past as you explore remnants and reconstructions of the Mississippi River region’s rich Native American history. From Minnesota to Louisiana, count on the byway to connect you to enlightening museum exhibits, sacred mound sites, famously tragic trails, ancient culture displays, and exciting interactive events.

Frightful Fun and Haunting Civil War History on Maryland’s Historic National Road

Published on Oct 13, 2011 in The American Civil War: Battles and Beyond

For a spooky way to experience the Civil War, drive the Historic National Road and stop in Frederick—Maryland's most haunted town! Frederick has many supernatural attractions to offer, but be sure to visit two haunts where Civil War history comes to life through the spirits of the dead.

From Settlements to Cities: Indiana's Historic National Road

Published on Nov 20, 2009

From trail way to highway, the Historic National Road through Indiana has seen tremendous change and growth over the centuries. Spanning the breadth of the state, the Historic National Road follows Highway 40 right through the heart of Indiana and its capital, Indianapolis, the byway's largest city. Travel the Historic National Road today to experience Indiana, past and present.

Hike Through Civil War History on the Washington Heritage Trail

Published on Feb 9, 2011 in Get Fit! Get Active: Walking Tours and The American Civil War

Remember the region's violent past and enjoy exercise in the great outdoors while you explore over 30 miles of beautiful hiking trails near Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

Historic Places on America's Byways

Published on Sep 22, 2003

Travel America's Byways® and discover the story of America's past. Find evidence of indigenous civilizations and follow the trails forged by the early settlers.

Historic Sites and Stops on the Mountains to Sound Greenway

Published on Aug 19, 2004

From remnants of the Old West to relics of the beginning of modern industry, the Mountains to Sound Greenway in Washington makes it easy to find the past.

Historic Stops Along Wilderness Road Heritage Scenic Byway

Published on Mar 1, 2005

Visitors come to the Wilderness Road Heritage Scenic Byway for a variety of reasons, but perhaps the byway's most compelling feature is the bounty of historical sites along the way. From Native Americans to European pioneers to Civil War soldiers, many cultures have left their mark in the area. You'll have plenty of opportunity to explore the nation's past along this byway

History and Prehistory on the Chinook Scenic Byway

Published on Jul 22, 2005

A glimpse into the Seattle region's rich prehistoric and historic past can be found in abundance along the Chinook Scenic Byway in Washington. Real links to the past still exist, which historians, archaeologists, and byway travelers alike find fascinating and intriguing.

History Flows Along the Ohio River Scenic Byway

Published on Apr 17, 2008

The Ohio River Scenic Byway tells the story of the great river that has shaped the landscape, people, and economy along Ohio's eastern and southern borders and across southern Indiana and Illinois. Originating 10,000 years ago when glaciers diverted existing rivers, the Ohio River has provided sustenance and transport for countless people, from native prehistoric cultures to the children of the Information Age.

History of Logging on the Edge of the Wilderness

Published on Apr 15, 2008

The Edge of the Wilderness is not just a fantastic place full of lakes and landscapes -- it is also rich in logging history, complete with real-life lumberjacks. Come visit the Forest History Center in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, where men put their lives on the line and labored through the day to build and reshape the American landscape.

History of the Santa Fe Trail

Published on Mar 2, 2005

The Santa Fe Trail was the first of America's great Trans-Mississippi routes. Including the Mountain and Cimarron routes, the Trail stretched 1,200 miles from Franklin, Missouri, to Santa Fe, New Mexico. The route played a critical role in the westward expansion of the United States. From 1821 to 1880, it was an important two-way avenue for commerce and cultural exchange, fostering a transfer among Spanish, Native American, and American cultures. It was the first international trade route, swapping needed materials from Missouri for Mexican silver, furs, mules, and wood

History on Colorado’s Santa Fe Trail

Published on May 15, 2008 in Getaways: Byways on a Budget and Goodyear’s Top 50 Scenic, Comfortable Drives

Experience the Old West as you have never done before by taking a trip along the Santa Fe Trail in Colorado. Your car will become a time machine as you become immersed in the history and culture found on this fascinating byway.

Immerse Yourself in the Heart of Old Florida on the Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail

Published on Dec 1, 2010 in Goodyear’s Top 50 Scenic, Comfortable Drives and The Holidays with Friends and Family

Cruise beneath leafy canopies into the heart of "Old Florida" on the Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail. Along with stunning views of Florida's Intracoastal Waterway, the Atlantic Ocean, and other natural areas, you'll find such historic spots as the winter home of John D. Rockefeller, the famous American industrialist and philanthropist.

Investigate Belle Boyd’s Front Royal Legacy on Skyline Drive

Published on Feb 1, 2012 in The American Civil War: Lives and Legends

Investigate the life of notorious Confederate spy Belle Boyd at the Belle Boyd Cottage, a living history museum in Front Royal, Virginia at the northern end of Skyline Drive.

Journey Through the Hallowed Grounds of Gettysburg

Published on Dec 8, 2010 in The American Civil War and The American Civil War: Lives and Legends

Unlock the past for you and your family at Gettysburg National Military Park on the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Byway in Pennsylvania. Pay reverent homage to the brave men who fought and died in July 1863 at one of the bloodiest battles of the American Civil War.

"King of Roads"--History of the Historic Columbia River Highway

Published on Sep 9, 2009

Take a drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway, a winding road amidst lush green trees and cascading waterfalls, and you’ll be at a loss for words. The explosion of color and sound is a sensory feast and a wonder to behold. But the intrigue of the highway doesn’t stop there. Along with its unquestionable beauty, the Historic Columbia River Highway also boasts remarkable history.

Looking Into the Past on the San Luis Obispo Scenic Byway

Published on Apr 13, 2007

The San Luis Obispo North Coast Scenic Byway is rich in history. There are historical points in the city of San Luis Obispo, as well as Hearst Castle, found on the north end of the byway. The byway's coastal location, two missions, and two railroads have exposed this area to both the best and the worst in California history.

Mining Historical Riches on the Coal Heritage Trail

Published on Feb 17, 2009

History along the Coal Heritage Trail reaches deeper than the mines for which the byway was named. Tunnel into the byway’s historically rich culture by taking part in fascinating events and visiting historic sites that will ingrain the Coal Heritage Trail in your memory.

Ohio's Historic National Road: A 200-Year Legacy

Published on Sep 16, 2009

Known as the road that built the nation, the Historic National Road was commissioned by Congress in 1806 and ultimately ran through six states, from Baltimore, Maryland, to Vandalia, Illinois. Visitors to the Ohio segment of the National Road can see the evolution of transportation in the U.S. from stagecoach to railroad, automobile, and even airplane.

Outlaws, Ghosts and Castles on Talimena Scenic Drive

Published on Feb 18, 2009

Looking for byway history with a fun, exciting twist? Explore a myriad of historic places along the Talimena Scenic Drive! Venture to the Horse Thief Spring Historic Site in Oklahoma, see the Heavener Runestone in Heavener State Park, visit the magnificent “Castle in the Sky,” or dare to visit a pioneer cemetery. However you choose to spend your time, the Talimena Scenic Drive, with its fascinating facts and stories, will keep your mind whirling with interest.

Peter Norbeck vs. the Diploma Boys: Building the Impossible Road

Published on Dec 16, 2005

The roads of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway spiral through the rocky crags of Black Hills National Forest, Custer State Park, and Mount Rushmore National Memorial, defying imagination and providing access to some of the most beautiful landscapes in South Dakota. But none of this would have been possible without the influence of the byway's namesake, Senator Peter Norbeck.

Petroglyph National Monument - A Link to the Past

Published on Sep 1, 2003

Step back in time at Petroglyph National Monument along Albuquerque's West Mesa. The fascinating monument gives travelers the chance to see amazing images carved by native people and early Spanish settlers up to 12,000 years ago.

Rediscovering Route 66

Published on May 30, 2008

In its glory days Historic Route 66 was a symbol of freedom and opportunity to travelers across the nation. From Illinois to Arizona, history lovers have preserved many of the attractions so unique to the "Mother Road." Experience them for yourself and relive the glory days of one of America’s most historic byways by visiting these restored quirky restaurants, gas stations, motels and other sites along Historic Route 66. Without so many others who have rediscovered Route 66, these places may not have survived to enthrall travelers today.

Reliving History on the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway

Published on Oct 7, 2010 in The American Civil War and The American Civil War: Lives and Legends

Harriet Tubman earned the name "Moses of Her People" because she helped so many of her fellow slaves to freedom. Travel along the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway in Maryland and discover the story of this amazing woman and the cause she represented.

Remnants of the Past on the Pioneer Historic Byway

Published on Feb 18, 2009

With its profound beauty and substantial history, the Pioneer Historic Byway, located in the southeastern corner of Idaho, is a beloved landmark. Travel the byway to hear the area’s riveting stories of heartache and triumph that will impress you and touch your heart for years to come.

Rustle Your Way Through Radiant Millstone Valley

Published on Oct 25, 2010 in Get Outdoors! For Fall Fun

Each October, the forests and fields of New Jersey burst into blazing shades of gold and scarlet. Come absorb the history of the Canal Era amidst the splashes of autumn color along New Jersey’s Millstone Valley Scenic Byway.

Schoodic Scenic Byway History: Lighthouses and Fishing Villages

Published on Apr 17, 2008

Your visit to Schoodic Scenic Byway takes you to a time often forgotten in the nation; where lobstering and fishing still make up a major part of the economy and every cove features a busy and active harbor. Visit traditional fishing villages like Winter Harbor or take a tour of historic lighthouses as you explore the history of the Schoodic Peninsula.

See Another Side of the City of Las Vegas on Las Vegas Boulevard

Published on Aug 18, 2011 in Get Fit! Get Active: Walking Tours

Want a change from the bright lights and glamour of your iconic Las Vegas vacation? Step away from the Strip and step back into the early years of Las Vegas on the Pioneer Trail driving tour along the City of Las Vegas, Las Vegas Boulevard State Scenic Byway.

Selma to Montgomery March Byway: Travel the Road to Freedom

Published on Sep 19, 2003 in Goodyear’s Top 50 Scenic, Comfortable Drives

As the Selma to Montgomery March Byway winds its way from the streets of Selma, Alabama, through the gentle rolling hills of Lowndes County, and into the state's capital city of Montgomery, you will find yourself transfixed in history.

Sharing the Mission of Smokey Bear on the Billy the Kid Trail

Published on Sep 23, 2010 in Get Fit! Get Active: Kids Outdoors, Get Outdoors! And Enjoy Nature, and The Holidays with Friends and Family

Smokey the Bear, Smokey the Bear... a simple jingle about one of the most enduring figures in advertising. Where did it all begin? Come to the Billy the Kid Trail in New Mexico and find out!

Spirits of the Civil War at Point Lookout Lighthouse on the Religious Freedom Byway

Published on Oct 24, 2011 in The American Civil War: Battles and Beyond

Enter into the spirit of the Civil War at Point Lookout State Park on the Religious Freedom Byway in Maryland. The park's many natural features make Point Lookout a prime destination. Visitors may encounter somber remnants of its former life as a Civil War military support facility.

“Strike it Rich” on the Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway

Published on Sep 29, 2009 in Goodyear’s Top 50 Scenic, Comfortable Drives

Like veins of gold and silver, history glitters through time on the Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway in Colorado. Follow historic railroad and stagecoach routes to North America's greatest gold camps, and watch for the hundreds of historic gold mines that surround the communities along the way. The byway will also lead you to fossilized evidence of prehistoric life, historic railroads, and some rather unusual museums.

Take a Paranormal Journey Through Haunted Leesburg, Virginia

Published on Oct 17, 2011 in The American Civil War: Battles and Beyond

This fall, seek out the supernatural remnants of the Civil War on a stroll through Historic Downtown Leesburg on the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Byway, which runs through Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. The town seems to be a favorite with the War's long dead, even 150 years later.

The Dakota Conflict Near Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway

Published on May 1, 2008

The Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway is not just a fertile farming region overflowing with rolling hills, lush forests, and sparkling rivers-- it is also rich in American history. Come visit the historical sites of the Dakota Conflict along the Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway, where treaties were broken and nations fought against nations.

The First Claim of the New World: Historic St. Augustine

Published on Mar 1, 2005

As the oldest European settlement in North America, St. Augustine offers visitors exciting history through its time-tested forts, buildings, and monuments. St. Augustine has seen the rule of four nations, survived conflicts between settlers and Native Americans, and remains today as one of the best examples of early colonial history.

The Freed Slave Exodus to Kansas on the Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway

Published on Jan 17, 2012 in The American Civil War: Lives and Legends

Spend an afternoon visiting local museums and touring quiet country cemeteries along the Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway as you learn about "Exodusters," emancipated slaves who came to call Kansas home.

The Historic National Road--A Route into America's Roots

Published on May 1, 2008 in Getaways: Byways on a Budget and Goodyear’s Top 50 Scenic, Comfortable Drives

Whether you're an enthusiastic history buff or a more future-oriented individual, you will find a visit to the Historic National Road an exciting way to spend your present. Follow the "road that built the nation" through six states--Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois--and find yourself caught up in the spirit of the byway.

The Nez Perce of Idaho

Published on Oct 22, 2004

From where they crouched in the tall September grass in 1805, three young Nez Perce boys watched William Clark and a few men approach the Nez Perce lodges. Clark had just crossed the Bitterroot Mountains ahead of his companion, Meriwether Lewis, using Nez Perce hunting trails. To the boys' surprise, Clark came up to where the boys were hiding and offered them each a ribbon, a gesture of friendly intentions.

The Riches of the Glenn Highway

Published on Feb 18, 2009

Gold! The very word may excite you. Perhaps you think of the gold rush that swept the nation in the 1800s, or maybe you secretly seek to strike it rich. It was these wishes of riches and glory that led people to the Alaska goldfields in the early 1800s. The Glenn Highway is host to a huge yellow gold mine, along with several black gold (coal) mines. Take a trip on this historically abundant highway, and though you may not strike gold, you’ll acquire a wealth of historical facts and stories as you journey through some of Alaska’s most majestic landscapes

The Selma to Montgomery March: The Struggle for Voting Rights

Published on Apr 15, 2008

From beginning to end, the Selma to Montgomery March Byway is filled with civil rights history. Home to one of the most significant events in the American struggle for equality, this 54-mile stretch of highway marks the journey that led to equal voting rights for American citizens, regardless of race.

The Waterway West: Construction of New York's Erie Canal

Published on Oct 5, 2005

The Erie Canal was one of the engineering marvels of the nineteenth century, overcoming daunting obstacles to provide a viable trade route from New York to the West. Today, canal history is preserved along the Mohawk Towpath Byway.

Trace Local History on the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway

Published on Apr 17, 2008 in Goodyear’s Top 50 Scenic, Comfortable Drives

From sparkling, clear lakes and streams to rolling green hills covered in lush vegetation, the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway offers a breathtaking sense of the South’s natural beauty. Known by the Cherokee as the “Great Blue Hills of God,” it’s not hard to see why these are the hills that the ancient tribe chose as their home.

Tracing History on the Natchez Trace Parkway

Published on Feb 7, 2005

For a visit to a byway rich in history, drive the Natchez Trace Parkway, established to commemorate the historical significance of the Old Natchez Trace. Originally a primitive trail that stretched 500 miles through the wilderness from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee, throughout the years it has gained a rich history that continues to fascinate visitors who travel in the footsteps of those who've gone before.

Tracking History on the Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway

Published on Feb 17, 2009

Have you ever wondered what the West looked like back when it was really, truly wild? Have you dared to imagine trekking through the Rockies without a flashlight, matches, or even a map? Feed your imagination with a dose of tangible history on your visit to the Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway, where you’ll discover the lives and legacies of several of Colorado’s first explorers and trappers.

Unearthing History on the Energy Loop

Published on Feb 18, 2009

From the hideouts of gun-slinging outlaws to the dangerous and profitable world found beneath the earth’s surface, the Energy Loop: Huntington/Eccles Canyons Scenic Byway will take you on a thrilling ride through the setting of several of Utah’s intriguing historical sites. Immerse yourself in the stories and legacy of this 85-mile stretch of road and unravel the mysteries the years have left behind.

Visit the “Gettysburg of the West” at Glorieta Pass

Published on Feb 9, 2011 in The American Civil War

Amidst sagebrush and towering mountains, explore the history of a critical battle of the Civil War at Pecos National Historic Park on the Santa Fe Trail.

Walk into Civil War History with the George Washington Memorial Parkway

Updated Feb 14, 2012 in Get Fit! Get Active: Walking Tours and The American Civil War: Lives and Legends

The George Washington Memorial Parkway is known as "the gateway to Washington, D.C." This year, it can also serve as a gateway to a healthier life as you discover our capital's Civil War history on foot.

Walk the Civil War Trenches on Kentucky's Great River Road

Published on Nov 24, 2010 in The American Civil War and The American Civil War: Battles and Beyond

In late 1861, 19,000 Confederate soldiers worked hard to fortify the bluffs near Columbus, Kentucky on the Great River Road. Today, you can walk among the still-recognizable trenches dug by Southern soldiers, visit a museum, play miniature golf, go camping, enjoy scenic views, and more.

Walk with Lincoln on the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route

Published on Feb 25, 2011 in Get Fit! Get Active: Walking Tours, The American Civil War, and The American Civil War: Lives and Legends

For a plethora of Civil War and Lincoln-related sites, "Walk with Lincoln" on the Lincoln & Civil War Legacy Trail in Alton, Illinois, on the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route.

Who Were The Voyageurs?

Published on Jun 5, 2006

During the 18th Century, beavers were more valuable than gold or money in the Illinois Territory. Pelts by the millions were shipped back to Europe where they were made into fashionable hats. River trade provided the economic bedrock for the exploration of the North American continent, as competing trading companies vied for new markets on the "great western sea.” You have the Voyageurs, transportation supermen of the rivers, to thank for the river shipping industry, which began with their incredible efforts.

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