Boston National Historic Park

Well-known to be the setting of many important events in American history, Boston is as progressive as it is reverent of its past. In its desire to ensure the public gets the most from visiting this city, the Freedom Trail was established.

This walking tour extends 3 miles and takes about 90 minutes, with 16 stops that include Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, and the USS Constitution-the oldest commissioned ship afloat. Likewise, dont forget to check out the Black Heritage Trail, a 1.6 mile walking tour winding through Beacon Hill and includes 15 sites essaying a 19th century African-American community.

In addition, there are special events held from time to time like the Institute of Contemporary Art artist-in-residence program. This is located at the Charleston Navy Yard, part of the Freedom Trail, and is open from noon to 5 PM. Currently featured is The Secret Ark of Icon Park, an interactive outdoor exhibit running through October 10, 2005.

Visitor assistance is available by calling (617) 242-5642 or through the website at  http://www.nps.gov/bost 

Ellis Island National Monument  

If the Statue of Liberty is viewed as the shimmering gateway to America, Ellis Island was, from 1892 to 1954, the stern-faced security guard that evaluated immigrants before theyre allowed to enter the US.

Walking through the rooms of the redbrick building, visitors can follow the immigration procedure step by step which starts at the Great Hall or Registration Room. Photographs, clothes, posters, ship logbooks, and luggage are displayed across three dozen galleries as well as interactive multimedia presentations that tell of the islands history.

The American Immigrant Wall of Honor, built behind the Main Building, lists the names of some 600,000 immigrants from various ports of entry. It is said that about 40% of all Americans can trace their family history to a man, woman, or child who entered the United States through Ellis Island. The park has free admission and is open daily except on Christmas day. For park inquiries, call (212)363-3200 or go to http://www.ellisisland.org  

Cahokia Mounds

State Historic Site One of UNESCOs World Heritage Sites, the Cahokia Mounds located northeast of St. Louis, Missouri, is described as the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico. There are over 100 documented mounds built by what are known to be the Woodland Indians around 800 A.D. and was the urban center of Mississippian culture.

Monks Mound is the centerpiece of the 14-acre site. It is the largest man-made earth formation in the Western Hemisphere. Public tours last for one hour and available on weekends at 1:30 PM. A good jump-off point would be http://www.cahokiamounds.com/  which contains extensive information on the site both as a cultural and archaeological resource.

There is no shortage of monuments and parks no matter what part of the country you live in. As long as you have a well-planned itinerary, factor in each individuals interests, and have an appetite for adventure, a vacation with history will be as fresh and exciting. This is going to be more evident when instead of cramming into the station wagon, you find yourself loading up the van!

 Copyright 2006 Michael Knowles www.postyourarticles.com  www.freedomisyoursonline.com  www.trafficgnomes.com  www.askmichaelknowles.com  www.greatebay.info