Reconstruction Era National Historical Park

This national park in Beaufort County, South Carolina, marks a central location that played a crucial role in the development of the Reconstruction Era.

Reconstruction Era National Historical Park, established on January 12, 2017, recognizes the historic significance of the years between 1861 – 1898, from the early Civil War through the start of Jim Crow segregation. During this time period, the United States debated questions such as “What does freedom mean? What are the rights of citizenship, and who can be a citizen?” The country grappled with how to integrate millions of formerly enslaved African Americans into society, and how to build a more united nation with free and equal citizens.

Consequently, the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth amendments were passed, permanently abolishing slavery, defining birthright citizenship and guaranteeing equal protection under the law, and prohibiting voter discrimination based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.