As the National Park Service moves into its 109th anniversary on August 25th, learning its history becomes increasingly compelling, particularly the events that shaped its creation and those who played pivotal roles in its establishment.
On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Organic Act, establishing the National Park Service as a new federal bureau within the Department of the Interior. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of the National Park Service’s mission to protect the 35 national parks and monuments.
However, the journey of the national parks and National Park Service did not begin or end with Wilson.
In 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant Act that gave up the territory of Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias to the state of California. This act paved the way for Yosemite Valley to be transformed into a state park, preserving its natural beauty for future generations.
On March 1, 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant signed the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act, which established what many believe was the first national park in the world. This landmark act recognized the immense ecological significance of Yellowstone and established it as a protected area for scientific research and public enjoyment.
President Theodore Roosevelt, often referred to as the “conservation president,” played a pivotal role in expanding the National Park System and promoting the concept of public lands conservation. His leadership resulted in a significant number of national parks, with a doubled amount established during his presidency. Additionally, he utilized the Antiquities Act, which grants presidents the authority to create national monuments without congressional approval, to designate 18 National Monuments.
Roosevelt’s contributions extended beyond the establishment of national parks, as he also created 51 federal bird reserves, 4 national game preserves, 150 national forests, and protected 230 million acres of public land. Roosevelt’s appreciation for the wilderness was once again made evident in his statement, “The farther one gets into the wilderness, the greater is the attraction of its lonely freedom.”
President Franklin D. Roosevelt further enriched the National Park System by making additions during his tenure. As part of his New Deal Programs, he established the Civilian Conservation Corps, which played a crucial role in building infrastructure, planting trees, and undertaking various improvements within national and state parks. Roosevelt emphasized the significance of national parks, stating, “There is nothing so American as our national parks… The fundamental idea behind parks is that the country belongs to the people, and it is in the process of enriching the lives of all of us.”
Today, the National Park System in the United States encompasses over 400 areas spanning more than 84 million acres across 50 states. These national parks serve diverse purposes, including preservation, public enjoyment, and ensuring the well-being of future generations.
Fore since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Romans 1:20