Historic Orchards and Fruit Trees in National Parks

Orchards and fruit trees grow at a number of historic sites managed by the National Park Service. In cultural landscapes, they are a living link to the many ways that people have used, changed, and interacted with their surroundings over time. For example, we find them in agricultural, ornamental, and commemorative landscapes. The characteristics of orchards and fruit trees also represent periods in the history of orchard development in the United States.

Start here to explore orchards and fruit trees in national park cultural landscapes.

  • Locate orchards and fruit trees that have been documented in NPS cultural landscapes on a web map.

  • Read stories feature specific examples of orchards or fruit trees and their history, current condition, and care.

  • Find other examples to visit on your next national park visit, also available in the NPS mobile app.

  • Go further with an overview of the history of orchards in the United States and learn what the NPS is doing to care for them.

Map of Historic Orchard and Fruit Trees of the NPS

Orchards and fruit trees can be found in a variety of landscapes, in national parks across the United States. Some of these are historically important because of their age, standing witness to a particular time or event. Other trees may be younger, and they are important because they represent the use and appearance of the landscape at an earlier time in its history.

This map is an entry point to discovering more about the orchard and fruit tree history in national park cultural landscapes.

It contains:

  • Identification of the orchards, fruit trees, and nut trees that are documented features of cultural landscapes

  • Cultural landscape boundaries

  • Links to additional documentation

Notes on map use

The map was compiled in 2022-23 with data from the Cultural Resources Inventory System (CRIS), other NPS publications such as Cultural Landscape Reports, and consultation with subject matter experts.

It is intended for informational use and is not for navigation use or resource management. Some locations are estimated, and some sensitive resources may not be included on this map.

As with other cultural resources, the National Park Service is responsible for protecting and preserving the orchards and fruit trees that have been identified for their historic significance. Thank you for helping to care for the history and future of these trees by not taking fruit or cuttings without permission.

More updates and functions are coming soon.


Orchard and Fruit Tree Stories

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      Last updated: December 28, 2023

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