This historic theme focuses on means of communication, both physical and electronic, as well as the history of the activities themselves.

A. Written Word (Newspapers and Periodicals)
B. Mail Service (Overland, Water, and Air Routes)
C. Telegraph and Telephone
D. Radio
E. Television
F. Post World War II Electronic
G. Spoken Word (Oratory and Public Speaking)

A prominent natural landmark (above) for emigrants on the Oregon Trail, Scotts Bluff, Mitchell Pass and the adjacent prairie lands are set aside in a 3,000 acre national monument. This site preserves the memory of the historic Oregon, California and Mormon Trails. The monument museum contains exhibits about the human and natural history of the area and also holds a unique collection of watercolor paintings by the frontier photographer and artist William Henry Jackson.

The links below will take you to other NPS units which contain additional information regarding this historical theme. Following that are links to related materials, which will provide more detailed Web sites that discuss selected aspects of this historical theme.

National Park Service units

• Cape Cod National Seashore
• Pipe Spring National Monument
• Pony Express National Historic Trail
• Scotts Bluff National Monument

Related Links

• The Establishment of Communications along the Valdez Trail, 1901-1943
• The Underground Railroad in Action: Communication and Codes