Here are just a few examples:

• The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail which traces the route of Spanish explorers north from what is now Mexico to modern-day San Francisco, Calif. The expedition, led by Juan Bautista de Anza, comprised a diverse mixture of people with Native American, European, and African heritage. Today, the 1,200-mile trail links many historic sites across Arizona and California, connecting the multi-faceted history and culture of the region, as well as the many outdoor recreational opportunities.
• Flordia’s Castillo de San Marcos National Monument which preserves the oldest and largest masonry fortress within the continental United States. The fort was built to protect St. Augustine and is one of the earliest sites of mestizo culture in the continental United States.
• At the César E. Chávez National Monument in California, visitors can learn about the pioneering labor leader César E. Chávez, who fought discrimination against migrant farmworkers. The National Park Foundation has been a supporter of César E. Chávez National Monument since its designation, helping fund the park’s operations for its first year and continuing to support outreach and engagement with the community.

Written by Carol A. Clark for Los Alamos Daily Post.