America's Historic Places by The Staff of the National Geographic Society

Product Details

Annotation

Combining interesting facts with invaluable planning details on more than 2,500 of the best historic sites in the 50 states, this comprehensive travel guide offers addresses, phone numbers, and other information on historical sites; full-color maps; historical overview of each region; 250 full-color photos of featured sites; and enticing sidebars on people, places and events. 384 pp. 25,000 print.

Library Journal

These National Geographic Society offerings promise to be popular items with anyone interested in going beyond just being a tourist and becoming an informed visitor to national parks and historic areas of the United States. They present a state-by-state listing of those sites deemed to be of historic importance in the development of the country, ranging from Revolutionary War battlefields in the Middle Atlantic states to remnants of the Gold Rush in the West. This is a significant series for teachers, parents, and anyone seeking to bring alive the story of our country for young people. Each site is identified by simple directions on how to reach it, whether or not submission fees are charged, and addresses and phone numbers. In addition, most sites list additional areas of scenic and/or historic value in the immediate vicinity. There are four volumes in the "Driving Guides to America" series; the one reviewed here lists tours of interest in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado. Each tour is preceded by a detailed map, the best time of the year to visit, the number of days recommended for the trip, and important phone numbers to call for additional information. The following tour descriptions are richly illustrated and include sidebars that help visitors truly appreciate the area. The national parks of America receive a respectful treatment at the hands of the National Geographic Society. These revised editions present all 54 parks in detail and offer visitors a wealth of information: when the park was created, how big it is, how to get there, the best time to visit, and suggested itineraries. Along with the well-known parks, there are listings for some that are either new or seldom visited; this is the best information available on parks such as Dry Tortugas, Saguaro, American Samoa, Joshua Tree, and Kobuk Valley. Each of these books is enthusiastically recommended for all public libraries.Joseph L. Carlson, Vandenberg Air Force Base Lib., Cal.