Landscapes Shaped by Water

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Maritime History

The waters of America connect us.

Patterns of transportation and commerce can be traced along oceans, rivers, and canals. Settlements and agriculture show the central role of water in defining our relationship to the landscape. Designed and recreational spaces suggest that water is a revered part of the national landscape.

From hot springs, to lighthouses, to irrigation ditches: These cultural landscapes show the enduring importance of water in our national stories.