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NATIONAL PARK QUARTERS
The coins release order is dictated by the order in which the honored sites came under the direct control of the federal government. As such, the Hot Springs National Park Quarter was the first to be released as the site was granted federal protection on April 20, 1832. Conversely, the last coin to be released in the program will be the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site Quarter, scheduled for 2021, with that site only being established on November 6, 1998.
All of the sites are honored on the reverse (tails side) of the fifty-six quarter dollars issued in the series with a design emblematic of that location. The obverse (heads side) of each coin will contain the same design, a portrait of George Washington, the first President of the United States. This image of Washington was initially used on the circulating 1932 quarter dollar and was designed by John Flanagan. The same portrait has been used on the quarters ever since 1932, with some modifications occurring in 1999 as part of the 50-State Quarter series.
Lowell National Historical Park Quarter – The Lowell National Historical Park Quarter honors the site in Massachusetts where visitors can get a glimpse at how the American Industrial Revolution progressed in the 19th century. For example, the factories in this area harnessed the power of the Merrimack River to accomplish their production goals.
Tourists may partake in guided tours by a trolley, or through the canals. Also located in Lowell National Historical Park is the Boott Cotton Mills Museum where people can learn about the mill and the history of the area, such as how the industrial revolution boosted the population from just over 2,000 people to well over 30,000.
American Memorial Park Quarter – The American Memorial Park Quarter honors the park located on the Northern Mariana Islands in Saipan. It commemorates those who lost their lives during the Marianas Campaign during World War II. Thanks to the efforts of those fighting in the Marianas, the U.S. was able to cut off important supply lines to the Japanese.
Also located here are beaches, picnic sites, playgrounds and many other outdoor activities that visitors can partake in. Many of the activities offered at American Memorial Park were those enjoyed by the service men during their time in the Marianas.
The mangrove forest and wetland that are protected here are also home to some native wildlife. The endangered Nightingale Reed-Warbler is one species of birds that makes its home here.
War in the Pacific National Historical Park Quarter – The War in the Pacific National Historical Park Quarter honors the site in the Guam which includes trenches, gun placements and other structures still remaining on the island reminding visitors of the battles that occurred here during World War II.
However, War in the Pacific National Historical Park is mostly known for its warm weather and beautiful beaches. Visitors can stop at the Memorial Wall that contains over 16,000 names of those who sacrificed their lives during the war. They may also enjoy the gorgeous weather and warm ocean waters.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Quarter – The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Quarter honors the missions of Texas that were established throughout the San Antonio area to educate the natives and to teach them about Christianity. The first mission was established by Franciscans and Spanish representatives in 1718.
Tourists can browse one of the many missions located in this area on leisure or receive a guided tour. There are also genealogy booths, demonstrations and storytelling activities they may participate in.
The missions have teamed together to do a restoration project of the San Antonio River to restore the river to what it looked like back when the missions were first built.
Frank Church River of No Returns Wilderness Quarter – The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Quarter honors the over 2.3 million acre wilderness located in Idaho. There are six national forests and several other protected areas located in this wilderness alone. Thanks to Senator Frank Church, the Wilderness Act of 1964 was passed, helping preserve areas much like this throughout the United States.
Rivers, canyons, mountains and all other terrains run through Frank Church River of No Returns Wilderness. Visitors can white-water raft, fish, hike and several other outdoor activities.
The wildlife in this area is mostly untouched by humans. Natural forest fires occur, leaving an array of landscapes in their wake. There may be charred forests, to lightly burned grassy areas. Tourists will have to remember that they must leave little to no trace that they were ever visiting.