Today is a special day for all of the nature loving open space enthusiasts out there in the U.S.of A. 100 years ago, in 1916, the National Parks Service was created, protecting thousands of acres of land for all Americans to enjoy for years to come.
"On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the act creating the National Park Service, a new federal bureau in the Department of the Interior responsible for protecting the 35 national parks and monuments then managed by the department and those yet to be established".
Although the National Park Service itself was born in 1916, some National Parks got their designation much earlier. The first national park, Yellowstone, was signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant in 1872, followed by Mackinac National Park in 1875 (decommissioned in 1895), and then Rock Creek Park (later merged into National Capital Parks), Sequoia and Yosemite in 1890. The National Park Service was founded 44 years after Yellowstone was signed in.
This "Organic Act" signed in 1916 states that "the Service thus established shall promote and regulate the use of the Federal areas known as national parks, monuments and reservations…by such means and measures as conform to the fundamental purpose of the said parks, monuments and reservations, which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." -- NPS.GOV
I love the feeling of walking up to a new National Park sign, posing for a quick photo opp in front of some of America's most beautiful landscapes. While obnoxious to Thatcher who is constantly forced to take my picture, they are some of my most favorite pictures when I look back at my travels across the country. As I walk around a National Park I always think to myself how thankful I am that these lands are protected by the National Park Service, instead of being sold to private investors or turned into condominiums or farmland.
I am so thankful that my travels across the United States have brought me to 11 National Parks, and countless National Monuments and Historic Sites, each one with its unique "culture" and breathtaking landscape.
"The National Park System of the United States now comprises more than 400 areas covering more than 84 million acres in 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, Saipan, and the Virgin Islands. These areas are of such national significance as to justify special recognition and protection in accordance with various acts of Congress."
Just today, I read that Katahdin Woods and Waters in Maine was welcomed into the NPS. In honor of the NPS Centennial, and the idea of conservation, protection, and proper management, I wanted to share some of my trips to my favorite National Parks.
In honor of the Centennial, all National Parks are offering FREE ADMISSION from August 25 to the 28th.
In honor of the Centennial, all National Parks are offering FREE ADMISSION from August 25 to the 28th.
Happy Birthday, NPS!
National Parks
Other sites managed by the National Park Service besides our National Parks include: monuments, battlefields, military and historical parks, historic sites, scenic rivers, lakeshores, seashores, recreation areas, trails and even the White House.
Other NPS Land/Sites Visited
Parks are the best place to visit whenever you are bored or whenever you are planning a picnic. Your post is really very great. Thanks for the pictures. Stay blessed.
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