National Lands: Alabama

English: Little River Falls in the Little River Canyon National Preserve (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Alabama does not have a National Park, but it does have several national historical sites, monuments and military fields. This state is rich in historical significance. The Selma to Montgomery National Historical Trail commemorates the struggle for African Americans to obtain the right to vote. The closest interstates to this trail are I-65 and I-85. The Tuskegee Airman National Historical Site honors the military airmen known as the Red Tails. Also in that area is the Tuskegee Institute built by Booker T. Washington. This is National Historical Site. I-85 is the nearest to this area.

Native Americans are also honored in this state. The Trail of Tears is a National Historical Trail that stretches over nine states. It honors the survival of the Cherokee people when they were removed from their homeland. Closest interstate is I-65. Muscle Shoals in the Tennessee River is a National Heritage that pays tribute to the Native Americans and settlers who braved the river. This area is in northwest Alabama with I-65 as the closest interstate. The Natchez Trace Parkway is 444 miles long and travels through three states. The nearest interstate in Alabama is I-65.

Horseshoe Bend National Military Park was home of a battle that ended the Creek War. General Andrew Jackson defeated the Indians here. I-85 is the nearest interstate. The Little River Canyon is a National Preserve which is located close to I-59 near the Georgia border. In the northeast corner of Alabama just south of the Tennessee line is Russell Cave National Monument. This archeological site is close to I-59.

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National Lands: Alaska (Part 2)

Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Alagnak Wild River is located in the Alaskan Peninsula. The river begins in the Katmai National Park & Preserve and flows to the Bristol Bay. The area is popular for fishing and the rapids are Class I-III. No services exist in this area, so visitors have to be well prepared. Alaska Public Lands is located in Anchorage and provides information for those who wish to visit the public lands in the state. Other centers are is Fairbanks, Ketchikan and Tok. These centers will help visitors make the most informed choices for activities. Aleutian World War II National Historic Site commemorates the invasion of this area by the Japanese and the fight for this island chain. This site is located at the Unalaska airport. The World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument includes battlefield remnants on Ahu Island, an occupation site on Kiska Island and the crash site of a B-24D Liberator on Atka Island. The Sitka National Historical Park is the site of a battle with Russian invaders. The park is located in the southeastern section of the state west of the border with Canada. Highlighted is the culture of the Tlingit people.

The Noatak National Preserve is in the northern section of the state. It is to the west of Gates of the Arctic. The river is 400 miles long and carries water from the Brooks Range to the Chukchi Sea. No facilities are at this site. Access is by boat or plane. Hiking, fishing, camping and rafting are just some of the available activities. The Bering Land Bridge National Preserve is on the western side of the state in the area of land closest to Russia. Camping, hiking and backpacking are available. No roads are in the preserve, so access is by plane or boat.  The Inupiat Heritage Center is located in Barrow which is on the northern coast of Alaska. The site honors the people who live in this harsh climate. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is in Skagway which is in the northeast section of the state on the border with Canada. Hiking and camping are available in the area. The Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve is located in the center of the eastern border with Canada. Access to the area is only by air or water. Boating, hiking, camping and fishing are available.