"When Samuel Colt started his Hartford factory on the banks of the Connecticut River in 1847, it followed years of mismanagement and failure. Soon, demand for Colt's revolver would change his fortunes and the Colt empire was born. Following Colt's untimely death in 1862, his wife, Elizabeth Colt, would lead the company to its legendary status, and influence Hartford for over 40 years."

"The highest elevation in the park at 8,572 feet (2,612 m) above sea level, Park Point is a breezy and cool place to picnic or take in the view. To the north, the 13,000 and 14,000-foot (4,000+ meters) peaks of the San Juan Mountains are visible. To the south, the high deserts of New Mexico stretch out across rocky canyons.

"Ubehebe Crater is the result of a steam explosion that resulted when rising magma flash evaporated water underneath the surface, creating a strange landscape of blasted rock."

"An American-Indian word, "Atchafalaya" (Think of a sneeze: uh-CHA-fuh-lie-uh) means long river. Established in 2006, the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area stretches across 14 parishes in south-central Louisiana. It is among the most culturally rich and ecologically varied regions in the United States, home to the widely recognized Cajun culture as well as a diverse population of European, African, Caribbean and Native-American descent."

Quite a few units of the National Park System have a "Painted" something-or-other. In Petrified Forest National Park, it's the Painted Desert, with saturated desert colors of orange, red, rust, pink and beige. This Painted Desert can be accessed just off of Interstate 40 through Arizona.

Chances are, you've photographed atmospheric phenomena like this sun halo captured at the Painted Hills Unit of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. An atmospheric phenomenon is created by the interaction of sunlight or moonlight with the atmosphere, clouds, rain, water, dust or other particulate matter.

"The Windows Section is considered by some to be the beating heart of Arches National Park. The area contains a large concentration of arches and is one of the most scenic locations in the park. North Window, Turret Arch, and Double Arch are just a few of the awe-inspiring expanses you’ll find in just over two square miles. Other named features in this area include Garden of Eden, Elephant Butte, and Parade of Elephants."

Between late March and late May, and depending upon the amount of rain fall Big Bend National Park experienced in the past year, the many varieties of cactus will be in bloom, sporting brilliant saturated colors ranging from yellow to orange to magenta to red.

"How many places in America can you walk in the footsteps of a king? Where else has a stranded sailor risen up to become a great chief over an entire island? Where else can you experience the culminating event of a people, foretold from centuries past? Where else can you stand on a beach and watch as sharks pass over a submerged temple? Experience all this and much more – only at Pu'ukoholā Heiau!"

"Over the last ~570,000 years, water has transformed the Upper Las Vegas Valley. Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument is an urban park that preserves the unique story of this ever-changing ecosystem."