Explore our newest itinerary about Madison, Indiana, a town located in southern Indiana that was an active stop on the Underground Railroad before the Civil War. The itinerary features the Madison Historic District and highlights 40 historic places and neighborhoods within the district as well as important places close by. Madison is home to a rare collection of hundreds of antebellum buildings and others that predate World War II, and much more.

 Aboard the Underground Railroad

The Underground Railroad refers to the effort--sometimes spontaneous, sometimes highly organized--to assist persons held in bondage in North America to escape from slavery. Historic places along the Underground Railroad are testament of African American capabilities. The network provided an opportunity for sympathetic white Americans to play a role in resisting slavery, and brought together, however uneasily at times, men and women of both races to begin to set aside assumptions about the other race and to work together on issues of mutual concern.

We Shall Overcome: Historic Places of the Civil Rights Movement
This travel itinerary tells the powerful story of how and where the centuries-long struggle of African Americans to achieve the bright promise of America culminated in the mid-20th century in a heroic campaign we call the modern civil rights movement. Many of the places where these seminal events occurred, the churches, schools, homes, and neighborhoods, are listed in the National Register of Historic Places and are included in this itinerary.

American Latino Heritage

Since the age of exploration, Latino peoples have played a profoundly important role in American history, contributing to and shaping the rich heritage of the United States in many ways for some 500 years. Explore their stories and their legacy by visiting the units of the National Park System and places listed in the National Register of Historic Places, most of which are designated as National Historic Landmarks, throughout the nation featured in this itinerary.

Civil War Era National Cemeteries: Honoring Those Who Served

Creating national cemeteries became a necessity during the American Civil War in order for the United States military to respectfully bury the dead.  These National Cemeteries have become national shrines, honoring the sacrifice and valor of the men and women who have served this country throughout its history. Commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and remember those who served.

Bureau of Reclamation Historic Dams and Water Projects

The American West is known for its expansive prairies, great mountains, and arid climate. The Bureau of Reclamation, the nation’s largest supplier of water and second-largest producer of hydroelectric power, controlled the wild rivers of the West with its historic dams and water control projects--great engineering feats constructed by many workers. Learn about the vital role of the Bureau of Reclamation in managing, developing, and protecting water in the United States. Explore the history of water in the West and visit the historic dams and water projects that created the West we know today.

The Preserve America Communities program recognizes and designates communities that protect and celebrate their heritage, use their historic assets for economic development and community revitalization, and encourage people to experience and appreciate local historic resources through education and heritage tourism programs.