Reconstruction refers to the period of time following the American Civil War (1861-1865) when the United States worked to rebuild the country and reintegrate the former Confederate states into the Union. National and state parks have a rich history of Reconstruction, and the National Park Service (NPS) and state park agencies have a mission to preserve, protect, and interpret these historical resources.
Many national and state parks have connections to Reconstruction, including sites associated with the Civil War and the period of Reconstruction that followed. For example, Reconstruction Era National Monument, Beaufort, South Carolina, which was established in 2017, interprets the story of the formerly enslaved people and freedmen who took control of their own destinies during the Civil War and helped to shape the South and nation.
Additionally, many national and state parks have monuments and memorials that commemorate the Civil War and Reconstruction, such as statues, busts, and other types of structures that commemorate the sacrifices and contributions of those who participated in these events.
The NPS and state park agencies have a responsibility to protect and preserve these historical resources, and to provide opportunities for visitors to learn about and experience the history of Reconstruction. This can include ranger-led tours, educational programs, and interpretive exhibits. The NPS and state park agencies also work to ensure that the perspectives of all groups involved in the Civil War, including African Americans, are included in the interpretation of these resources.
Overall, the history of Reconstruction in national and state parks plays an important role in preserving, protecting, and interpreting the history of the United States. They provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about the political, social, and economic changes that took place during the period of Reconstruction, and how it affected the nation’s history and the lives of people who lived during that time. Additionally, many national and state parks have monuments and memorials that commemorate the Civil War.