USA Travel Magazine - Topics

August 25th 1916 was the official start of National Park Service, which was created to "preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations." Since this time the parks system has grown to over 400 national parks. The NPS is host to many programs around the world that bring us together to celebrate our national cultural and natural treasures and traditions. With so many parks available, there’s always something new to discover. And, as you visit a new park, share your "park story" on social media using #MyParkStory or #MiParqueMiHistoria.  Did You Know? The National Park Service has virtual activities to experience. Find out more about these events, parks to explore, and schedules of upcoming programs to join on their website and social networks.  

The historic Thurmond Depot is now a seasonal visitor center. The historic towns of Southern West Virginia offer a glimpse into the past unlike any other. Stroll the streets of these historic towns and you'll embrace a piece of American history. Among these treasures is West Virginia's railroad heritage, which has been preserved by the National Park Service . For a great example of the life of those who owned and worked the early railways visit Thurmond, West Virginia . Once a bustling railroad town, Thurmond later became a ghost town after the coal was removed from the area. For a time, the bustling town thrived as the largest revenue on the C and O Railroad line because of the huge amounts of coal removed from the surrounding mountains. Did You Know? The  National Park Service  has a Thurmond Walking Tour explore the  C and O Railroad  and other historic sites. During the week the town was fairly peaceful, with very few inhabitants, but on weekends it came to li...