In 1890 Yosemite became a national park. It had been inhabited (居住) by Miwok people for some 4,000 years. Yet during the Gold Rush from 1849 to 1851, the land saw the coming of thousands of miners. In 1851 the Miwok people began to be removed by force from their homes. By 1910, just one in ten of the original inhabitants remained.
Sequoia National Park, California
This national park was established on 25 September 1890. It was created protect the towering sequoia trees. Today, the oldest tree in the 629-square mile park is the General Sherman Tree -it’s thought to be 2,300 to 2,700 years old. The park’s diverse landscape includes the Sierra Nevada mountains, as well as deep valleys, craggy foothills and impressive caves.
Deadwood, South Dakota
It might look like a western film but Deadwood is the real deal. After the discovery of gold in the nearby southern Black Hills in 1874, some 250,000 miners poured to the region and the city was founded in 1876. Owing its name to the dead trees filling the valley in which it was built, it quickly earned a reputation as a lawless outpost associated with gambling, gold seekers and Wild West legends (传奇).
Whitney Plantation, Louisiana
Whitney Plantation is a reminder of America’s history of slavery (奴隶制). Established in 1752, the site was home to more than 350 slaves, whose names can be seen carved onto the Wall of Honor today. A recording from 1819 reveals that 19 out of the 61 slaves on the plantation at the time were African -born survivors of an Atlantic crossing. Today, visitors can learn more about the lives of enslaved people during this period.
1. What do Yosemite National Park and Deadwood have in common?| A．They are famous movie sets. | B．They were founded in the 1870s. |
| C．They used to be flooded by gold miners. | D．They are inhabited by native Americans. |
| A．Yosemite National Park. | B．Sequoia National Park. |
| C．Deadwood. | D．Whitney Plantation. |
| A．Places of natural beauty. | B．Places to learn about slavery. |
| C．Places located in deep valleys. | D．Places giving a sense of history. |
2 . The Best American National Parks to Visit for Christmas
The Christmas season can be stressful if you spend every moment cleaning, cooking, and hosting guests. Or the holidays can be a joyful celebration of beauty and peace if you plan an escape to one of America’s splendid national parks.
Yellowstone National Park
Dreaming of a white Christmas? Yellow stone, the country’s first national park, is your top choice. Your family can enjoy a quiet and private getaway（假日休闲地）at Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins. Sit by the fire with hot cocoa and look out at the vast wilderness all around you. Also you can photograph a bison and other wildlife on a winter photo safari.
Rocky Mountain National Park
If you really want to get away from it all over the holidays, plan a trip to a park less traveled in the winter. Rocky Mountain National Park is quiet and uncrowded, but the wildlife is still active. Seeing a moose（麋鹿）in its natural habitat is an experience you won’t forget. Sledding and skiing are also exciting possibilities.
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park offers a fun holiday experience for families. Families can get on the Polar Express that runs from Arizona to the South Rim of the park through early January and enjoy a pleasant ride complete with hot chocolate and cookies. When you reach the “North Pole”, Santa Claus is waiting with a gift for each child. It’s the best way for your kids to enjoy the magic of Christmas.
Virgin Islands National Park
If snow isn’t your thing, don’t worry. Virgin Islands National Park is perfect for you to escape winter. With white sandy beaches, clear blue water, and more than 800 subtropical plants, you will feel like you traveled outside the U.S. to a tropical area. Cinnamon Bay is a major spot for Christmastime visitors looking for water sports like sailing, diving, and snorkeling（浮潜）.
1. In which park can you both see animals and go skiing?| A．Yellow stone National Park. | B．Rocky Mountain National Park. |
| C．Grand Canyon National Park. | D．Virgin Islands National Park. |
| A．Art lovers. | B．Explorers. |
| C．Outdoor photographers. | D．Families with children. |
| A．Various water sports. | B．Beautiful train rides. |
| C．The quiet environment. | D．The snow-covered landscape. |
