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The New Cliff House

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California, San Francisco City and County, San Francisco
For nearly 150 years generations of visitors have traveled to the Cliff House to experience the magnificent natural setting and to enjoy recreation. There have been three different Cliff Houses on this site. The first two were destroyed by fire. The third one, built in 1909, has been remodeled several times and fallen into disrepair. The new building improvements now underway will renovate the original three-story 1909 Cliff House and add a new north wing. Site improvements include renovation of the existing Cliff Terrace and the addition of new observation decks. During construction the restaurant and gift shop will remain open. The Cliff House will be under construction through Summer 2004. Visit the Golden Gate National Recreation Area web site at www.nps.gov/goga/clho/project for more detailed information.

(Notable Buildings) Includes location, directions, 8 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Disappering Waterfalls

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California, Mariposa County, Yosemite National Park
At certain times of the year some of the Valley’s waterfalls disappear. Bridalveil keeps flowing even in late summer, when Yosemite Falls begins to dry up.

Above Yosemite Falls the terrain is largely bare granite; runoff is rapid. Bridalveil Creek’s green upper valley has more vegetation and deeper soil that absorb rain and snowmelt, slowing runoff to a relatively steady flow.

Recognizing that the vegetation above helps feed the falls, John Muir pushed for expansion of the park area to protect the entire watershed.

It is a 200 yard walk to the base of the fall. Be prepared for heavy spray, and watch your footing on the wet pathway.

(Environment • Natural Features) Includes location, directions, 5 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

A Varied View

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California, Mariposa County, Yosemite National Park

Ever-Changing Scene
In Yosemite, you may never witness the same scene twice.

This grand show is eternal. It is always sunrise, somewhere; the dew is never all dried at once; a shower is forever falling; vapor ever rising. Eternal sunrise, eternal sunset, eternal dawn and gloaming, on seas and continents and islands, each in its turn, as the round earth rolls.
- John Muir

Whether spring or fall, morning or afternoon, one has the opportunity to experience an ever changing view. In summer, clouds glide amidst granite peaks. Fall splashes autumn hues upon maple and oak trees across the Valley floor. Winter brings snow, accenting the subtle details of granite walls, while spring breathes life back into ephemeral waterfalls and renews the echo of rushing throughout the Valley.

(Natural Features) Includes location, directions, 6 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

A View Through Time

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California, Mariposa County, Yosemite National Park

A Burning Tradition
Miwok people, who called themselves Ahwahneechee, lived in Yosemite Valley for thousands of years. Their traditional practice of regularly burning the meadows and oak woodlands of the Valley contributed to the open landscape first seen by the Mariposa Battalion.

“The whole valley had the appearance of park-like grounds, with trees, shrubbery, flowers and lawns.”
Lafayette Bunnell, 1880.

From this breathtaking viewpoint into Yosemite Valley, you can see three of its remarkable features: El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. In March 1851 a local militia (known as the Mariposa Battalion) was dispatched to the area in search of Miwok people suspected of attacking a trading post. The group stumbled upon this view and became the first Euro-Americans to enter Yosemite Valley.

(Natural Features) Includes location, directions, 9 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Welcome to Glacier Point

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California, Mariposa County, Yosemite National Park
People have been coming to Glacier Point for generations to see one of the most spectacular views on earth. For a panoramic vista of Yosemite Valley, walk along the trail to Glacier Point, located ¼ mile from where you’re now standing. Along the trail, you can visit the Geology Hut exhibit on glaciations and landforms and watch for other interpretive exhibits pointing out Half Dome, waterfalls, and views of the High Sierra.

The Four Mile Trail
is 4.6 miles, descending 3,200 feet in elevation. Walking time is 2-3 hours. Steep switchbacks will lead you down into Yosemite Valley near Yosemite Lodge.

The Panorama Trail
is 8.5 miles, descending 3,200 feet in elevation, with an uphill segment. Walking time is 4-6 hours. The trail joins the Vernal-Nevada Falls trails and continues down to Happy Isles.

The Pohono Trail
is 13 miles, descending 2,800 feet in elevation. Walking time is 7-9 hours. The trail ends at the Wawona Tunnel.

(Natural Features) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Grand Central Hotel / Hôtel Grand Central

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Ontario, Ottawa


Built as a grocery store by Thomas Coffey, Sr., this building was the Grand Central Hotel from 1889 to 1907, and a Salvation Army hostel from 1908 to 1949.

Designated Heritage Property
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Construit au départ comme l'épicerie de Thomas Coffey, pére. L'immueble a abrite l'hôtel Grand Central de 1889 à 1907, puis d'auberge de l'Armee du Salut de 1908 à 1949.
Classé Monument Historique

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1982 Award of Excellence
In recognition of the sympathetic work in conserving the architectural character of the Grand Central Hotel
Completed August 1981

1982 Prix d'Excellence
En reconnaissance de l'excellent travail de conservation du caractère architectural du Grand Central Hotel

Terminé en août 1981

(Notable Buildings) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Scarritt Point Neighborhood

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Missouri, Jackson County, Kansas City


By late 1890's, Kansas City began its third major boom and industry expanded into residential neighborhoods. To escape the encroaching commercial activity, parks and boulevards were built east of downtown, near the old Scarritt homestead. This new area is now known as the Scarritt Point Neighborhood.

(Man-Made Features • Settlements & Settlers) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Independence Boulevard

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Missouri, Jackson County, Kansas City


Independence Avenue was given its name because it extended from the central business district of Kansas City to Independence. In 1893, the Board of Park Commissioners selected a portion of Independence Avenue to become the first boulevard in the Kansas Parks and Boulevards System. Independence Avenue at that time featured some of the finest residences in the city, including those of civic leaders August Meyer and Robert Gilham.

The park board acquired and completed the portion of Independence Avenue between Woodland and Gladstone Avenues in 1895. The portion of roadway between Gladstone Avenue and Benton Boulevard was acquired in 1896, and the portion between Woodland and Dykington Avenues was acquired in 1897. Both sections were finished in 1899. When completed, Independence Boulevard totaled 0.96 miles from Woodland Avenue to Benton Boulevard.

By 1914 many of the largest residences originally lining Independence Boulevard had disappeared. The boulevard had begun to resemble its current character, a commercial thoroughfare carrying heavier traffic than the other boulevards in the parks and boulevards system.

(Charity & Public Work • Environment • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

F-86F

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California, Kern County, Edwards AFB
The F-86, the Nation’s first swept-wing jet fighter, made its initial flight at what is now Edwards AFB on October 1, 1947. The first production model flew on May 20, 1948 and on September 15, 1948 an F-86A streaked to a world-record 670.9 mph.

The Sabre saw combat in Korea in three successive series (F-86A, E, and F) to counter the Russian-built MiG-15. By the end of hostilites, Air Force fighter pilots flying their Sabres into “MiG Alley” had shot down 792 MiGs at a loss of only 76 Sabres. More than 8,500 Sabres of all types were built in the U.S., Australia, Canada, Italy, and Japan and were used by the air forces of over 20 nations.

The Sabre on display was decommissioned by the USAF in 1964 after having served at three California bases-George AFB, Norton AFB, and McClellan AFB. It was originally displayed in Sacramento but had to be moved due to freeway construction. In 1978 it was transferred to Edwards AFB and placed on a pedestal. After 20 years on display, it was removed for restoration and mounted in its current location in March 2002.

On loan from the USAF Museum

(Air & Space • Military) Includes location, directions, 6 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Leaps in Technology

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California, Kern County, Edwards AFB
The United States Air Force has always relied upon the application of leading-edge technologies to fulfill its mission of airpower projection. From the XP-59 of 1942 to the B-2, C-17, and F-22 of today, the Flight Test Center has been essential to the USAF strategy of developing and deploying the worlds’ most advanced and effective military aircraft. The F-86 and F-16 (displayed here) represent stellar milestones in this technological continuum and share many similarities. Both were state-of-art when first flown at the AFFTC; aerodynamic and mechanical marvels subsequently emulated by friend and foe alike. Both were essential to the USAF domination of the world’s war-torn skies. Both are absolutely beautiful in form and function and are physical embodiments of the challenge, excitement, and spirit of military aviation. These airplanes are displayed in the colors of our test support fleet during their respective 1950s and 1990s periods of service. This display is dedicated to the military and civilian warriors of the 412th Test Wing who labor on the shores of this famous patch of barren, dry, and dusty lakebed; to their pride in past accomplishment, and their passion for providing America’s Air Force with the best airplanes in the world. May they take pride in wearing the widely recognized and respected patches of the Test Wing, the Flight Test Center, and the U.S. Air Force. Dedicated July 10, 2002
AN INEXPLORATA!

(Air & Space • Military) Includes location, directions, 5 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

F-16B

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California, Kern County, Edwards AFB
When first flown at Edwards AFB on January 20, 1974, the YF-16 was the most advance fighter in the world. The F-16B is a combat-capable two-seat version of the production F-16A. To date, over 4,000 F-16s have been manufactured worldwide and 122 B models were delivered to the USAF. Just under 200 F-16Bs are in service with foreign countries, many of them build on foreign assembly lines.

This particular airplane was flown extensively in the test support role while assigned to the Test Wing. During its career, it was used as a chase aircraft for the first release of a Joint Direct attack Munition (JDAM) from a strategic bomber and also chased the final test missions of the Air Test Center Museum in August 2000 and was placed on display in February 2002.

On loan from the USAF Museum

(Air & Space • Military) Includes location, directions, 6 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

"Hell's Angels" - "Might in Flight" 303rd Bombardment Group (H)

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Georgia, Chatham County, Pooler

358th-359th-360th-427th Flight Squadrons supported
by our essential dedicated Ground units

12 Sept to 11 June 1945 - AAF Station 107
Molesworth, Huntingdonshire, England
Constituted 28 Jan 1942 _ Savannah, Georgia
Inactivated 25 July 1945 - Casablanca, French Morocco
Casualties                  303rd BG (H) B-17's                          Enemy Aircraft
841 KIA                       210 Combat Losses                        378 Destroyed
747 POW                                                                                 104 Probables
67 Evadee                                                                               182 Damaged
29 Internee                                                                                                            
Two Medals of Honor
Lt. Jack Mathis 18 Mar 1943 - T/Sgt Forrest Vosier 20 Dec 1943
Distinguished Unit Citation - 11 Jan 1944 Oschersleben, Germany
One of the Eighth's pioneer Bomb Groups
Most 8th AF B-17 Group combat missions (364)
2nd highest total sorties (10,721)
2nd highest bomb tonnage dropped (26,346)
First to fly 300 missions from United Kingdom
"Hell's" Angels" 1st B-17 to fly 25 missions
"Knockout Dropper" 1st B-17 to fly 50 & 75 missions
The proud "Angels" Never Stood Down



(Backside Plaque)

The 303rd Bombardment Group (H)
"Hells Angels" Combat Team
at Molesworth. England

Air Combat Units

41st Combat Wing (H) Headquarters
303rd Bombardment Group (H) Headquarters
358th Bombardment Squadron (H)
359th Bombardment Squadron (H)
360th Bombardment Squadron (H)
427th Bombardment Squadron (H)

Supported by Ground Units
3rd Station Complement Squadron
8th Dental Unit
18th Weather Squadron
202nd Finance Section
249th Medical Dispensary
303rd Station Hospital
328th Service Squadron which became the
444th Sub Depot
863rd Chemical Company
1114th Quartermaster Company
1199th Military Police Company
1681 Ordnance S & M Company
2097th Fire Fighting Platoon

425th Air Service Group consisting of
Headquarters & Base Service Squadron
575th Air Material Squadron
851st Air Engineering Squadron

(War, World II) Includes location, directions, 31 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Preserving Special Places

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California, Mono County, near Mammoth Lakes
Devils Postpile stands not only as an unusual geologic wonder but as a monument to the visionary efforts of a dedicated conservationist. In 1910, under U.S. Forest Service management, engineer Walter L. Huber received an application from mining interests to blast the formation and dam the river. Huber sparked a campaign that succeeded in blocking the application and led to the designation of Devils Postpile National Monument in 1911. Since then, other citizens have worked with the National Park Service in its ongoing effort to protect the special scientific and recreational values of this area.

It is a remarkable example of basaltic columns, the finest, I believe, in America
Professor Joseph LeConte, 1909.

(Inscription relating to the main photograph)
James M. Hutchings took this photo of Devils Postpile in 1875 when he led an expedition from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney. Appreciation of this geological wonder led to its inclusion in Yosemite National Park in 1890.

(Natural Features) Includes location, directions, 6 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

The Chinese Walls

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California, San Mateo County, Woodside
These stone walls are part of a network of trails and roads built by Chinese immigrants. In 1872 Simon L. Jones bought 1,500 acres of timberland in Woodside and developed them into farmlands, orchards and vineyards with the use of Chinese labor. These fine, enduring walls, constructed without mortar or coping, are a testament to the craftsmanship and expertise of Chinese workers, whose labors helped to build California.

(Asian Americans) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Venetian Court

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California, Santa Cruz County, Capitola
First California
Condominium
Sea Side Resort
Has been place on the
National Register
of Historic Places

By the Department of
Parks and Recreation
1924

(Notable Buildings) Includes location, directions, 5 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Wellsville's First Brick Building

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Kansas, Franklin County, Wellsville


[Title is marker text]

(Notable Buildings) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Black Jack Cabin

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Kansas, Douglas County, near Baldwin City


This replica of a 19th century log cabin was constructed in the fall of 1969 and dedicated in January of 1971. The cabin was constructed for the benefit of the Santa Fe Trail Historical Society for meetings and to display historical artifacts. Construction was funded by the Douglas County Board of Commissioners. The logs were provided by Wilson Counts and sawed by Will Hey Sr.; the project was directed by Harvey Booth and Dayton Van Tries.

(Charity & Public Work • Man-Made Features • Settlements & Settlers) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Ivan L. Boyd Memorial Prairie Preserve

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Kansas, Douglas County, near Baldwin City


Across the small foot bridge and up the trail is the entrance to a 16-acre remnant of a tallgrass prairie. It is dedicated to Dr. Boyd, who was a biology professor at Baker University, 1941-1982. Dr. Boyd was instrumental in getting the county to purchase the property for public enjoyment of the prairie and the ruts of Santa Fe Trail.

(Charity & Public Work • Education • Environment • Roads & Vehicles) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

City Square Park

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Minnesota, Carver County, Chaska

City Square Park
City Square in Chaska has always been a gathering place and the heart of this community. The land was set aside for public purpose in 1852 in the original plat. Early settlers in Chaska found six earthen mounds on this site built by persons known as the Mound Builders, who preceded the Dakota Indians. Originally there were six circular mounds variously thought to be for protection, burial, or worship. Some were removed in creating streets, but the remainder of these are still visible. These mounds indicate the immediate area was inhabited before 1769, the year in which Chaska's recorded history begins. "The Park," as it has been known to generations of Chaskans, has been the scene of weekly summer band concerts, Memorial Day programs, and community celebrations. A bandstand of some sort has stood in the center of the Square since 1889. The present gazebo was built in 1985 as part of an extensive park improvement project.

Old Courthouse
Carver County was established in 1855 and was named for Jonathon Carver who explored this area in 1767/1768. In the 1856 election, Chaska became the county seat. In 1857, Shaska Co. donated six lots (northwest corner of Third and Chestnut) for county offices. In 1858, work began on the Carver County Courthouse which served the county until its demolition in 1965. A scaffold was built on the Courthouse/Jail property in 1902 for Carver County's only hanging. A new County Government Center, four blocks to the east on Beech Street, replaced the old Courthouse in 1965.

Original City Hall / Fire Station
A fire station was erected in 1883 on Third Street between Chestnut and Walnut, a 60 foot hose tower rose above it. The second floor of the Chaska brick building held City Hall chambers and the office of the City Clerk, making it the first City Hall.

Ess Foundry
Joseph Ess, a successful wagon maker and blacksmith, founded the Chaska Foundry and Machine Shop in 1886 at the southeast corner of Third and Walnut. The eleven brick manufacturers then in Chaska needed the foundry for repairing and equipping their brick machines. Soap kettles, sleighs, iron fencing, and manhole covers were also produced by Ess bros. and sons. The business remained in the Ess family for over 100 years. In 1987 the foundry was demolished and replaced by Town Square Apartments.

Highlights of Chaska History
• Dakota Indians inhabited this part of the Big Woods.
• Fur traders occupied this area as early as the 1760's.
• Canoeing up the Minnesota River in 1851, Thomas Andrew Holmes established the Chaska townsite. "Chaska" generally was the name given to first-born males in a Dakota family.
• Chaska settlement began in the mid-1850's with immigrants coming primarily from Germany. Many opened businesses; others settled on rich farm land. Chaska became a trade, service and government center.
• Early industries developed from natural resources such as cutting timber and mining clay for bricks. Processing agricultural products - beet sugar, corn, peas, tomatoes, sauerkraut and flour - was the basis of Chaska's economy for decades.
• Until the 1960's Chaska's population averaged 2,000, its nature remaining unchanged. Then expansion of the metropolitan area led to new land, jobs, and residents.
• Industrial parks in northern Chaska are home to dozens of industries, most serving national and international markets.
• While transition and growth continue, city government and residents work together to ensure preservation of a rich heritage and Chaska's small town sense of community.

C.P. Klein Mansion
Christian P. Klein, one of the Klein Brothers identified with brick and banking businesses, built his home at Fourth and Walnut in 1911. The City acquired the property in 1967 and it served as the Chaska City Hall until 1988.

C.H. Klein Mansion
Charles H. Klein became one of Chaska's most widely known citizens through success in brick and banking businesses and through public service. The latter included 20 years as school board chairman and as a state legislator from 1903-1912. He built the house on the east side of Walnut between Third and Fourth Streets in 1910. After his death, the Klein family donated the facility for public use. It was the City Library from 1967-1988.

Park School - City Hall
A Moravian academy was located at the northeast corner of Fourth and Chestnut from 1864 to 1870. In 1893, the public school district demolished the academy and built a three story brick building called the Park School. It housed elementary and some high school classes until 1932 when students relocated to a school on Ash Street. Park School then served as Chaska's City Hall/Library/Fire Station until 1967 when it was razed. City Hall was relocated to the C.P. Klein house at Fourth and Walnut and the fire station returned to its original Third Street site.

Chaska Moravian Church
Several Moravian families from Western Pennsylvania came to Chaska in 1858 and established the town's first congregation known as the Chaska Moravian Church. The present church, located at the northwest corner of Fourth and Walnut, was built in 1889 and other than an addition to the west side, the building is the same.

(Churches, Etc. • Industry & Commerce • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers) Includes location, directions, 11 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Rhea County / Bledsoe County

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Tennessee, Bledsoe County, near Pikeville
(obverse)
Rhea County Established 1807; named in honor of John Rhea Revolutionary veteran, who fought at King's Mountain. Delegate to the North Carolina Convention which ratified the U.S. Constitution; member of the Tennessee Constitutional Convention, 1796. State House of Representatives, 1796-97 & of the U.S. House of Representatives, 1803-15 & 1817-23. One of the early leaders in higher education.

(reverse)
Bledsoe County Established 1807: named in honor of
Anthony Bledsoe
Captain in the Colonial Army from Virginia, major in the Revolutionary Army and a colonel of Tennessee militia. One of the first settlers of Sumner County, he was killed near his home by Indians in 1789.

(Politics • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Revolutionary) Includes location, directions, 6 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
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