When the U.S. government shuts down, it doesn’t just affect Washington, D.C. budgets and politics, it also touches the places where history comes alive. From Civil War battlefields to Revolutionary landmarks, many historic sites are managed by the National Park Service (NPS) and other federal agencies.

On September 19, there are several moments that stand out—not just for their drama, but for how they shifted societies, sparked ideas, or left a legacy. Here are three of them.

Standing where soldiers once marched, with the crunch of leaves underfoot and the quiet rustle of autumn trees, connects you to the past in a powerful way.