Discover the South’s treasured historic views for USA 250 anniversary

At Stones River National Battlefield, history unfolds across open fields, quiet river bends, and low ridge lines that once echoed with cannon fire. Fought here from December 31, 1862, to January 2, 1863, the Battle of Stones River ended in a costly but pivotal Union victory, securing Middle Tennessee and lifting Northern morale as the Emancipation Proclamation took hold. More than 6,100 Union soldiers are buried at the Stones River National Cemetery.

The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum was born out of the ruins of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, where the city suffered one of the deadliest acts of domestic terrorism in the nation's history.

Located off the historic Jungle Trail in Indian River County, Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge offers miles of trails, boardwalks and wildlife viewing areas. Fall through spring are considered the best time of year to see to see the migratory white pelicans, as well as nesting brown pelicans.

The Battleship North Carolina, moored in the Cape Fear River across from downtown Wilmington, is a symbol of state pride and national history. The retired vessel participated in every WWII major naval offensive in the Pacific theater, where it earned 15 battle stars, making it the most decorated American battleship of World War II.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the country's most-visited national park, is full of natural wonders ‒ and tourists trekking through the mountains to see them. Spruce Flats Falls is deep in the Tennessee woods and known as a quiet respite only reachable by experienced hikers.

Fort Smith in Arkansas was established in 1817 to ease tensions between the Cherokee and the Osage, who had been displaced westward into the River Valley.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is nearly 500 miles of a scenic, mountainous road that stretches from Virginia to North Carolina. Looking back on the United States' 250-year history, the parkway's original purpose was to create jobs and advance conservation during the Great Depression; however, the parkway still brings economic benefits to the 29 counties it runs through.

When people say, “Remember the Alamo,” it’s not a movie catch phrase, but a call from the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836, to honor the men who fought for Texas’ independence from Mexico and their massacre March 6, 1836, by forces under General Antonio López de Santa Anna.