A National Military Park is a type of national park unit that commemorates and preserves significant military conflicts and their associated historical sites. These parks are established and managed by the National Park Service and serve to protect and interpret the events and landscapes associated with specific military engagements or campaigns.
The primary purpose of National Military Parks is to preserve and interpret the history and cultural heritage of significant battles, wars, or military campaigns in American history. These parks often include preserved battlefields, fortifications, monuments, memorials, and other structures related to the conflicts being commemorated.
The NPS strives to provide visitors with educational and recreational opportunities by offering a range of interpretive programs, exhibits, and tours. Through these activities, visitors can learn about the historical context, strategies, and outcomes of the military events that took place at the park. The parks may also include visitor centers and museums that provide further information and exhibits related to the conflicts.
Some notable examples of National Military Parks include Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania, which commemorates the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War, and Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi, which commemorates the Vicksburg Campaign, also from the Civil War. These parks not only preserve the physical sites but also strive to honor the sacrifices and struggles of the individuals involved in these historic events.
In summary, National Military Parks are a specific category of national park units within the National Park System that focus on preserving and interpreting significant military conflicts in American history. They serve as educational and recreational resources, allowing visitors to learn about and engage with the nation's military heritage.
There are 12 parks designated as National Military Park: