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Appalachian history does not begin with the European settlement of the area. For centuries several Native American tribes shared the abundant resources available in the lush valleys of these mountains, shaping their lives and culture to the natural world around them. To learn more about the human history of the Appalachians, from pre-historic times through the present, check out the Appalachian Culture page.
History of the Blue Ridge Parkway
The birth of the Blue Ridge Parkway 60 years ago resulted from an amazing coincidence of people, foresight and events. The Great Depression, growing mountain poverty and the growing use of automobiles provided the motivation, while President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal administration provided much of the funds and manpower. For more information about the planning and construction of the Parkway, check out the Parkway History page.
Cultural Resource Management
In addition to interpreting the history of the Appalachian peoples, the Blue Ridge Parkway is actively involved in preserving the physical remnants of that culture. This is done in many different ways, such as restoring an 18th-century log cabin, interviewing neighbors whose families have been here for generations, and cataloging and placing especially fragile artifacts in museums. Cultural resource management is the technical name for the preservation of these irreplaceable treasures. The Cultural Resource Projects page looks at some of the current activities and issues now underway on the Parkway.
Historical Interpretation
Most people think of interpretation as the translation of one language into another, and here on the Parkway that is a good definition of what the rangers do. They translate the history and culture of the area into something that visitors can understand. Cultural interpretation on the Parkway is more than just mountain music and folk tales. To find out more about what historical interpretation is available on the Parkway, stop by your nearest ranger's office.
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