Kentucky America the Beautiful Quarter

Although the Kentucky America the Beautiful Quarter will not be released until 2016, the site to be featured on the circulating commemorative quarter dollar is already known. The reverse of the quarter will feature Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. This selection was announced in 2009, prior to the start of the series.

The obverse of the quarter will feature a restored portrait of George Washington as originally designed by John Flanagan.The format of the inscriptions will be similar to the prior 50 State Quarters Program.

The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Quarter will be the thirty-second release of the series overall, and the second release during the year 2016. There will be at least 56 different quarter released by the United States Mint, which feature National Parks and other National Sites of America.

About Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

One of the most significant features of the  historical Appalachian Mountain chain is the area where it is not. The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is a celebration of the major break in the mountain chain where it extends into Kentucky. Almost four miles in width in some areas, the Cumberland Gap is a unique nature preserve that extends for almost twenty six miles along Cumberland Mountain. Home to a diverse population of wildlife and breathtaking vistas, the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is a place that national park enthusiasts must visit.

First established as a protected area by the federal government in June of 1940, the Park is a showcase of the best and most beautiful features that the Appalachians have to offer. Visitors to the park are invited to enjoy the lush vegetation that is indicative of the immense amount of moisture that falls every year in the Appalachian region.

The Park is also home to many unique types of wildlife, like white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear and rabbit; any of which are likely to be spotted by observers that visit the park. The park also acts as a haven for the endangered Indiana Bat as well as fifty nine state-listed rare plant species. One of the most unique features of the Park has to be its extensive cave system, which gives visitors a chance to experience life underground.