100 Years Of National Parks: Celebrating In Greensboro

The National Park Service was established 100 years ago today, and parks across the country are celebrating the centennial, including one in Greensboro.

Guilford Courthouse Military Park was the site of a crucial battle during the Revolutionary War. The British beat Nathanael Greene and his men, but suffered losses that contributed to their surrender seven months later. 

In 1933, the land became part of the National Park Service. Chief Ranger Vance Noles says the centennial is proof of a job well done.

“A great idea that was put into action 100 years ago is still working. The folks that came up with the idea for the National Parks, Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, and Stephen Mather, these folks got it right.”

Noles says he looks forward to educating the next generation of parkgoers, and he thinks technology will play a big role in how guests experience parks in the future. For now, it's already bringing in a new group.

"Lately, you're probably going to be interacting with Pokemon Go players."

Guilford Courthouse Military Park will be showing Ken Burns' documentary, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea" this week and will be hosting a centennial birthday party this Saturday.