cesar e. chavez national monument

You won't stop here by accident; you have to purposely aim for it. A comprehensive story of the life and work of Cesar Chavez, the labor leader and activist. The site was his office later in his life and his home at that time is also at the location. There is also a desert memorial garden where his grave is. It is very new: only staffed by the National Park Service for a few years, and only a national monument for the last two years! Lots of pictures on the walls, an "animated" office, and the garden warns you to beware of bears! Gives one a different picture of the man than one might have before.

This is a simple spot-a photography show on the grape strike-a few videos to watch and the man's gravesite.But no matter how one feels about unions,here was a man who stuck to his convictions to the betterment of his people.One must respect him for that .

This is really an interesting place to visit. It is a very old building that once housed a sanatorium for TB patients. The grounds are still very pretty and well worth the stop. Loads of history here.

This monument is such a valuable addition to California and America. The history of achievements and the class with the execution of those achievements make this man a true icon of history for all. To study and learn from the actions of this man is an inspiration. To emulate the actions is divine. His work affected the quality of life for millions. Be sure to investigate the details of this man's life. They are amazing.

A small memorial to a man who dedicated his life to serving his fellows. Photographs tell the story of the man and the development of the Farmworkers Union. His office is still there to see and his wife still lives on the site. A beautiful memorial garden allows the visitors to reflect on how he selflessly sought to help his fellow workers - he is buried in the garden. There is no doubt that this recently established place can only improve and interest in the site should improve with the recent movie. There is no entry fee and donations are welcomed. Books are available in the small store. The USA ... that's another story!

There's a surprise just off of Highway 58 from California's desert to it's central valley. It's the National Chavez Center in Keene. It was established in 2004 by the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation and is the official living memorial dedicated to the advancement of the legacy of Cesar Chavez. He is also buried here.If you love history, museums, and gardens this is the place! It is a great rest stop on that long drive over the Tehachapi mountains. Lots of history, walking paths, native plants and displays in the small museum. Bring a lunch and picnic.

This newly opened Chavez National Monument was a surprise to me. I saw the sign on Highway 58 and stopped in as they opened on a weekday morning. The grounds are peaceful and shady, the visitor center is modest in size but very interesting in its presentations of the labor movement history. I left feeling that this memorial spot called "La Paz" was a lovely place to visit and reflect on this man's life and impact.

This is a place where history is in your back yard. I stopped by here on the way to Death Valley NP. It was a good break from the road. I remember the way the Farm Workers Union changed the face of America and I appreciate being able to bring my 11 year old here to show her what it was all about. We had just passed through the big valley with all the grapes so the films and Museum were very nice to see. This is a new National Historic Site so give it credit for what they do have. There is a nice garden to sit in as well as the movie to watch. The staff was very friendly. My web site for this National Historic Site is http://explorethenationalparks.com/?p=2958

We arrived just after it opened on a Saturday. A tour bus with a large group of teens or young adults arrived just before us and all the staff were busy with this group. there was no one to speak with and we were left to discover things on our own. The outdoor memorial/gravesite was well maintained.

A good friend and I made an unexpected visit to our newest National Park property, located east of Bakersfield just off the State Highway 58 freeway. The modest site, also known as "La Paz" is at the tiny village of Keene, where the late Latino farm labor organizer and community leader César Chávez headquartered his non-violent action movement. Latinos, especially, and nearly all Americans will feel considerable pride here as they recognize the accomplishments of La Raza. There is a new Interpretive Center, formal gardens, the gravesite of Mr. Chávez and other family members where visitors should check out the many historic photos of the farm labor movement and its leaders. A bilingual Park Service employee is usually available to answer questions. Take care to carefully follow signs to the Monument as you exit Hwy. 58. Although its only a quarter mile to the site, the roads are narrow and twisty. RVs and motor homes will have to take it slow here. Parking is adequate but there are no gas stations, restaurants, motels or other facilities in Keene; you will need to stop in nearby Tehachapi for those. The Interpretive Center does have rest rooms and drinking water available. The busy old Southern Pacific railroad freight route borders La Paz and you may be able to do some train-watching from here. This National Monument is still a work in progress and is kind of an experiment, too, as it is a partnership effort of several private foundations, the Federal government and other agencies. Keep in mind too, that La Paz is more a historic site than a geological or nature-related monument property like the Pinnacles or Muir Woods. Bottom line: If you are into US history, and especially the contributions to it by our Latino citizens and/or the Labor Movement, I recommend a stop here. Hopefully, more exhibits will come to Keene in future years.