Any Future Increased Terrorist Threat Could Close Popular Tourist Attractions

March 7, 2003

Any Future Increased Terrorist Threat Could Close Popular Tourist Attractions
If a war with Iraq poses new terrorist concern in the future, several of the country’s most popular tourist destinations would probably be temporarily closed to the public.

According to CNN.com, Interior Department officials are indicating that the five most popular attractions would most likely be sealed off temporarily, including the Statue of Liberty, the Washington Monument, the White House, St. Louis Gateway Arch and the Liberty Bell pavilion in Philadelphia. Well-known dams, such as the Grand Coulee in Washington state and Shasta in California might also be restricted from public access.

Most of these attractions, with the addition of the road by Hoover Dam in Nevada, were closed to the public temporarily following the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

"The National Park Service is prepared to take the appropriate action, as we have in the past, to protect public safety and preserve these monuments and memorials," Interior Department Spokesman Dave Barna said.

To learn more about this story, visit CNN.com.