Glen Echo Park was the Washington DC Metro area's premier amusement park from 1898 to 1968 and is the only amusement park preserved by the National Park system. In the early 1890's, it was a National Chautauqua Assembly, an arts and education colony. In 1960, Howard University students and local residents led Civil Rights protests that opened the park to all races. Today, artists come to learn and create amid reminders of a rich and inspiring past. Nearby, Clara Barton National Historic Site tells the story of Clara Barton, Civil War heroine and visionary founder of the American Red Cross. Barton, the first President of the American Red Cross, settled in Glen Echo at the invitation of Edwin and Edward Baltzley, founders of the 53rd National Chautauqua Assembly. The site is the first National Park dedicated to the accomplishments of an American woman and highlights Miss Barton's many achievements.