Contributed by: National Park Service
Organization: National Park Service
Dated Posted: October 18, 2026
Website: Visit External Site

The National Park Service has designated ten jurisdictions as 2026 American World War II Heritage Cities, a congressionally authorized honor for communities whose home-front contributions helped win the war and that continue to preserve that history. This year’s designees are Whittier, Alaska; Aurora, Colorado; the City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii; Kootenai County, Idaho; Rockford and Winnebago County, Illinois; Owensboro and Daviess County, Kentucky; Savage, Minnesota; Pendleton, Oregon; Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands; and South Charleston, West Virginia.

Created in 2019, the program allows one designation per state or territory; designations now cover 46 states and two territories. Nominations for the remaining places reopen in early 2027 and must come from a jurisdiction’s highest locally elected official.

More information: nps.gov