The Reconstruction Era, spanning from 1865 to 1877, was a pivotal period in the United States. It marked the transformation from a divided nation to a reunited one, following the abolition of slavery. The era is significant for the constitutional changes that took place, including the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, which respectively abolished slavery, granted citizenship to all born or naturalized in the US, and guaranteed the right to vote regardless of race or color.
The new sites added to the Network will enable a broader understanding of this transformative period in American history. They will provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about the era’s social, political, and economic changes, and the ongoing struggle for civil rights. The NPS has not yet disclosed the specific locations of the new sites.
This expansion of the Reconstruction Era National Historic Network is part of the NPS’s ongoing commitment to preserving and interpreting America’s complex history. By adding these new sites, the NPS aims to provide a more comprehensive view of the Reconstruction Era and its lasting impact on the nation.
The NPS encourages the public to visit these new sites once they are open, to engage with the history they represent and understand the era’s significance. Further information on the new sites will be made available on the NPS website.