Prepare General Management Plan

Reconstruction Era National Historical Park » Prepare General Management Plan » Document List

As a new unit of the national park system, Reconstruction Era National Historical Park has developed a comprehensive general management plan (GMP), a broad document that identifies the park's long-term goals and guides visitor experience, management, park facilities development, and park operations for the next 20 years and beyond. The park is pleased to share this final GMP, along with an associated Environmental Assessment (EA), and the Finding of no Significant Impact (FONSI) authorizing its implementation.

Reconstruction Era National Historical Park was designated a national monument on January 12, 2017, to recognize the role Beaufort County, South Carolina played in shaping the historic period of Reconstruction. In March 2019, the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (Public Law 116-9) redesignated the park from a national monument to a national historical park, expanded the park boundary, and created the Reconstruction Era National Historic Network. The act also authorized the National Park Service to expand the boundary of the park within the Beaufort National Historic Landmark District and on Saint Helena Island and to accept administrative jurisdiction from the US Navy at Camp Saxton. The park's GMP includes guidance for the management of the redesignated national historical park and criteria for future boundary expansions.

The National Park Service has limited land ownership within the park boundary, and partnerships are critical to sharing the story of the Reconstruction era. Consultation and coordination among partner organizations and key stakeholders was vitally important to the creation of the general management plan and will continue to be key to its successful implementation. The park extends appreciation to its partners and to the public who helped with the development of the GMP.

The final GMP/EA/FONSI is available for download under the "Document List" tab to the left.

Contact Information

Laura Waller (laura_waller@nps.gov)