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100 Years Of National Parks: Celebrating In Greensboro

Monument to Major General Nathanael Greene of the Continental Army
Monument to Major General Nathanael Greene of the Continental Army in Guilford Courthouse Military Park. Credit: Vance Noles

The National Park Service was established 100 years ago today, and parks across the country are celebrating the centennial, including one in Greensboro.

Guilford Courthouse Military Park was the site of a crucial battle during the Revolutionary War. The British beat Nathanael Greene and his men, but suffered losses that contributed to their surrender seven months later. 

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Guilford Courthouse Military Park, courtesy Vance Noles 

In 1933, the land became part of the National Park Service. Chief Ranger Vance Noles says the centennial is proof of a job well done.

“A great idea that was put into action 100 years ago is still working. The folks that came up with the idea for the National Parks, Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, and Stephen Mather, these folks got it right.”

Noles says he looks forward to educating the next generation of parkgoers, and he thinks technology will play a big role in how guests experience parks in the future. For now, it's already bringing in a new group.

"Lately, you're probably going to be interacting with Pokemon Go players."

Guilford Courthouse Military Park will be showing Ken Burns' documentary, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea" this week and will be hosting a centennial birthday party this Saturday.

Bethany is WFDD's editorial director. She joined the staff in the fall of 2012. She received her B.A. and M.A. in English Literature from Wake Forest University. Between undergraduate studies and graduate school, Bethany served as the intern to Talk of the Nation at NPR in D.C., participating in live NPR Election Night Coverage, Presidential debate broadcasts, regular Talk of the Nation shows, and helping to plan the inaugural broadcast of ‘Talk of the World.' She enjoys engaging with her interests in books, politics, and art in the interdisciplinary world of public radio. Before becoming editorial director, Bethany was assistant news Director, a reporter and associate producer for WFDD's Triad Arts and Triad Arts Weekend. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Bethany enjoys calling the Piedmont home.

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