HISTORIC OLD IRON FURNACE, Hopewell Village National Historic Site. Hopewell Village, in its economy and culture, had a community life in some respects similar to that of the manors of medieval Europe. Built around a cold-blast charcoal-burning furnace in late colonial days, the enterprise had 113 years of activity, including production of Revolutionary War materials.

In 1935 Congress declared a national policy of preserving for public use historic sites, buildings, and objects of national significance "for the inspiration and benefit of the people of the United States." Under this authority some 20 historic sites have been declared of national significance. About half of these, including Hopewell, are in Federal ownership. The others are under State, patriotic association, or other reliable management, which administers them under a cooperative agreement with the Department of the Interior. (Photograph by Ralph H. Anderson.)

PIONEER LOG CABIN, Homestead National Monument. The site of the first recognized claim under the Homestead Act signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862. As the Act became effective January 1, 1863, Daniel Freeman, a Union soldier on leave, was permitted to file his claim shortly after midnight of December 31 before leaving on Army orders. Although Freeman's buildings no longer stand, his first primitive dwelling is represented by this authentic settler's cabin erected in a neighboring township in 1867. It contains furnishings and tools such as were used by the pioneers in eastern Nebraska.