Badlands National Park in South Dakota was once a hunting ground for Lakota Indians and a site for Native American rituals. It became a national monument before being designated a national park in 1978. The park’s unique landscape includes eroded hillocks and pinnacles, as well as grassy prairies. The black-footed ferret, an endangered species, can […]
Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is a 200,000-acre park that opened in 1936 and is the only US national park with previously occupied land allowed to revert to natural condition. The park has diverse habitats, supports a range of plant and animal life, and offers hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking opportunities. Shenandoah National Park […]
Jewel Cave National Monument in South Dakota is the second longest cave in the world, named for its calcite spar crystals. Discovered in 1900, it was declared a national monument in 1908 and continues to operate as a tourist attraction. The cave’s known passages extend beyond the monument’s boundaries, and researchers believe there are still […]
Redwood National Park protects old redwoods and their habitat, with 45% of all internationally protected old-growth coastal redwoods. The park is made up of four separate parks and protects a variety of animal life. The redwoods depend on their biological habitat for growth and logging has caused devastation to the forests. Redwood National Park is […]
Petroglyph National Monument is a protected area in New Mexico with over 24,000 petroglyphs and archaeological sites. Visitors can explore the high desert environment and volcanic cones, and attend events year-round. The site is open all year and has no entrance fee. Petroglyph National Monument is a New Mexico historic site managed by the National […]
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington DC honors police and law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty, including those killed by Billy the Kid and Lee Harvey Oswald. Designed by Davis Buckley Architects, new names are added every May during National Police Week. The Memorial is open 24/7 and free […]
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a federally protected land with two of the world’s top volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The area is maintained due to its natural landscapes and distinct ecosystem. The park has numerous attractions for visitors, including the Volcano Art Center and the Thomas A. Jagger Museum. The area was worshiped as […]
The US National Nanotechnology Initiative promotes nanoscience developments with participation from various federal agencies. Nanoscience studies materials with dimensions between 1 and 100 nanometers, and nanotechnology has potential economic growth. The initiative includes the Nanoscale Science, Engineering and Technology Subcommittee and the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office. Ongoing developments include water-repellent fabrics, carbon nanotubes for lightning […]
The US Constitution mandates the government to provide defense. The national security strategy outlines how defense institutions will protect citizens, with principles that change over time. The strategy determines specific defense actions, influenced by the country’s power and priorities set by the President. Diplomacy and alliances are shaped by the strategy, with preferential treatment given […]
The President’s Commission on National Goals set 15 goals for the US to work towards over 10 years, addressing both internal and external problems. It aimed to determine American foreign policy, improve social conditions, and allocate government funds to benefit Americans. The President’s Commission on National Goals was an independent body that set out to […]
Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego, California, commemorates the journey of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to land on the west coast of the US. The park features a statue of Cabrillo, Old Point Loma Lighthouse, tidal pools, hiking trails, and a variety of ecosystems, including a significant breeding colony of great blue herons. […]
Montezuma Castle National Monument is a 20-room pueblo built by Sinagua Indians in Arizona during the 1100s. It was mistakenly named after the Aztec emperor Moctezuma by European settlers. President Theodore Roosevelt established it as a national monument in 1906. The structure is made of limestone rocks and adobe plaster, and contains doors, benches, storage […]
The National Housing Act was passed in 1934 to help Americans afford housing and home loans during the Great Depression. The act created the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to ensure safe housing and a stable mortgage market, and the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation to prevent unfair foreclosures. The act allowed the government to […]
The National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) are established by the EPA to evaluate outdoor air quality. The Clean Air Act gives the EPA the authority to set standards and monitor them. Six pollutants are monitored, and there are primary and secondary standards. The EPA tracks pollutant levels and issues alerts when appropriate. The goal […]
Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California is a desert park with over 800 plant species and various animals. It includes historic structures, archaeological sites, and museum collections. Visitors can enjoy wildlife, plant life, self-guided nature walks, mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, and guided tours. Camping is available, but no hookups or showers. Visitors must […]
Arapaho National Forest, located in central Colorado, was created by Theodore Roosevelt in 1908 and named after the Arapaho Indians. It offers hiking trails, campgrounds, scenic drives, and various outdoor activities. Camping is divided into organized and undeveloped categories, and there are designated picnic areas along scenic byways. The Arapaho National Recreation Area contains five […]
The National Museum of Crime and Punishment in Washington, D.C. showcases exhibits on crime and punishment throughout history, including artifacts from notorious criminals. Visitors can participate in interactive programs, view the FBI’s Most Wanted List, and watch the filming of America’s Most Wanted in the museum’s film studio. Admission is charged as it is a […]
Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois covers 280,000 acres and was designated for reforestation and conservation in 1939. It contains diverse geology, wildlife, and recreation areas. Shawnee National Forest is a park in southern Illinois. It has been operated by the US federal government since 1939. The area is located in the Shawnee and Ozark […]
Mount Rainier National Park in Washington state was established in 1899 to preserve the mountain and surrounding wilderness. It is home to one of the largest volcanoes in the world and receives two million visitors annually. The park has over 300 miles of hiking trails and is home to the largest glacial system in America. […]
The National Register of Historic Places is a list of cultural resources in the US that are considered worthy of preservation. It includes sites, structures, buildings, objects, and districts that have historical significance. Properties must go through a nomination and selection process to be listed. There are over 1.6 million properties listed, and more than […]
