Stories
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Ahoy! Pirates of Calcasieu
Creole Nature Trail - (Louisiana)As you drive the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road today, you will find that the route’s history is as intriguing as the bayou’s distinctive nature. A sampling of this history can be seen in the legends of treasure left behind from when dangerous scoundrels and pirates inhabited the area. L
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America's Inland Maritime History Along the Seaway Trail
Seaway Trail - (New York, Pennsylvania)Unfolding across the waters of Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River, the War of 1812 drew the United States into the conflict between Britain and France. Take the 518-mile-long Seaway Trail to visit both the historic sites that chronicle the events of this war and the many...
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Appalachian Culture and History on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway - (North Carolina, Virginia)The diverse history and culture of the southern Appalachian Mountains awaits you along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Split-rail fences, old farmsteads, and historic structures complement views of distant mountains and neighboring valleys. While traveling this road, view the smoke-like haze that gives...
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Carriages and Calamity: History Along Acadia Byway
Acadia Byway - (Maine)Maine's Acadia Byway on Mount Desert Island boasts a history that spans thousands of years. From the Wabanaki Indians, who lived on the island thousands of years ago, to French explorers, to John D. Rockefeller, Jr., the region's history tells part of the story of our nation's birth. Whether...
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Cowboys and Chapels: Hells Canyon Scenic Byway's History
Hells Canyon Scenic Byway - (Oregon)While Hells Canyon Scenic Byway attracts adventure seekers to its vast and diverse outdoor regions, it also provides a wealth of opportunities for the history fanatic. Explore tiny hundred-year-old churches, historic districts, Native American culture and more, as you travel eastern Oregon's...
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Documenting the Great River: Henry Rowe Schoolcraft
Great River Road - (Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Wisconsin)In our era of satellite navigation and global positioning systems, we tend to take geography for granted. In the 19th Century, however, geography drove geographers to several-month expeditions into the unknown. One of the great geographers of the Mississippi was Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, who...
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England's Colonization of America on the Colonial Parkway
Colonial Parkway - (Virginia)Journey through 167 years of the English colonial experience in America on the Colonial Parkway in Virginia. Enjoy spectacular views of the James and York Rivers at many historic turnouts along your way to the three historic old towns of Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown.
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Flagler's Playground: St. Augustine in the Late 19th Century
A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway - (Florida)If the charm of St. Augustine hadn't captured the imagination of Henry Flagler, the history of the Florida peninsula would have been drastically different. His contributions and constructions revitalized the state of Florida, and breathed life back into the historic city of St. Augustine.
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Follow the Great River Road for Native American History
Great River Road - (Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Wisconsin)Follow the Great River Road into the past as you explore remnants and reconstructions of the Mississippi River region’s rich Native American history. From Minnesota to Mississippi, count on the byway to connect you to enlightening museum exhibits, sacred mound sites, famously tragic trails,...
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Historic Places on America's Byways
Travel America's Byways® and discover the story of America's past. Find evidence of indigenous civilizations and follow the trails forged by the early settlers.
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Historic Sites and Stops on the Mountains to Sound Greenway
Mountains to Sound Greenway - I-90 - (Washington)From remnants of the Old West to relics of the beginning of modern industry, the Mountains to Sound Greenway in Washington makes it easy to find the past.
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Historic Stops Along Wilderness Road Heritage Scenic Byway
Wilderness Road Heritage Highway - (Kentucky)Visitors come to the Wilderness Road Heritage Scenic Byway for a variety of reasons, but perhaps the byway's most compelling feature is the bounty of historical sites along the way. From Native Americans to European pioneers to Civil War soldiers, many cultures have left their mark in the area....
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History Flows Along the Ohio River Scenic Byway
Ohio River Scenic Byway - (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio)The Ohio River Scenic Byway tells the story of the great river that has shaped the landscape, people, and economy along Ohio's eastern and southern borders and across southern Indiana and Illinois. Originating 10,000 years ago when glaciers diverted existing rivers, the Ohio River has provided...
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History of Logging on the Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway
Edge of the Wilderness - (Minnesota)The Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway is not just a fantastic place full of lakes and landscapes -- it is also rich in logging history, complete with real-life lumberjacks. Come visit the Forest History Center in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, where men put their lives on the line and labored through...
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History on Colorado’s Santa Fe Trail
Santa Fe Trail - (Colorado, New Mexico)Experience the Old West as you have never done before by taking a trip along the Santa Fe Trail in Colorado. Your car will become a time machine as you become immersed in the history and culture found on this fascinating byway.
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History on the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway
Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway - (South Carolina)From sparkling, clear lakes and streams to rolling green hills covered in lush vegetation, the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway offers a breathtaking sense of the South’s natural beauty. Known by the Cherokee as the “Great Blue Hills of God,” it’s not hard to see why these are the hills...
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Looking Into the Past on the San Luis Obispo Scenic Byway
Route 1 - San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway - (California)The San Luis Obispo North Coast Scenic Byway is rich in history. There are historical points in the city of San Luis Obispo, as well as Hearst Castle, found on the north end of the byway. The byway's coastal location, two missions, and two railroads have exposed this area to both the best and the...
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Peter Norbeck vs. the Diploma Boys: Building the Impossible Road
Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway - (South Dakota)The roads of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway spiral through the rocky crags of Black Hills National Forest, Custer State Park, and Mount Rushmore National Memorial, defying imagination and providing access to some of the most beautiful landscapes in South Dakota. But none of this would have been...
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Rediscovering Route 66
Historic Route 66 - (Arizona, Illinois, New Mexico)In its glory days Historic Route 66 was a symbol of freedom and opportunity to travelers across the nation. From Illinois to Arizona, history lovers have preserved many of the attractions so unique to the "Mother Road." Experience them for yourself and relive the glory days of one of America’s...
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Schoodic Scenic Byway History: Lighthouses and Fishing Villages
Schoodic Scenic Byway - (Maine)Your visit to Schoodic Scenic Byway takes you to a time often forgotten in the nation; where lobstering and fishing still make up a major part of the economy and every cove features a busy and active harbor. Visit traditional fishing villages like Winter Harbor or take a tour of historic...
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The Dakota Conflict Near Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway
Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway - (Minnesota)The Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway is not just a fertile farming region overflowing with rolling hills, lush forests, and sparkling rivers-- it is also rich in American history. Come visit the historical sites of the Dakota Conflict along the Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway, where...
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The First Claim of the New World: Historic St. Augustine
A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway - (Florida)As the oldest European settlement in North America, St. Augustine offers visitors exciting history through its time-tested forts, buildings, and monuments. St. Augustine has seen the rule of four nations, survived conflicts between settlers and Native Americans, and remains today as one of the...
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The Historic National Road--A Route into America's Roots
Historic National Road - (Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia)Whether you’re an enthusiastic history buff or a more future-oriented individual, you will find a visit to the Historic National Road an exciting way to spend your present. Follow the “road that built the nation” through six states--Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, and...
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The Selma to Montgomery March: The Struggle for Voting Rights
Selma to Montgomery March Byway - (Alabama)From beginning to end, the Selma to Montgomery March Byway is filled with civil rights history. Home to one of the most significant events in the American struggle for equality, this 54-mile stretch of highway marks the journey that led to equal voting rights for American citizens, regardless of...
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Tracing History on the Natchez Trace Parkway
Natchez Trace Parkway - (Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee)For a visit to a byway rich in history, drive the Natchez Trace Parkway, established to commemorate the historical significance of the Old Natchez Trace. Originally a primitive trail that stretched 500 miles through the wilderness from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee, throughout the...
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Who Were The Voyageurs?
Illinois River Road - (Illinois)During the 18th Century, beavers were more valuable than gold or money in the Illinois Territory. Pelts by the millions were shipped back to Europe where they were made into fashionable hats. River trade provided the economic bedrock for the exploration of the North American continent, as...
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