All About National Parks

Written by: Anna Pafenberg

Growing up, most of us have been to parks. We might have slid down a slide, climbed the monkey bars, or even swung on a swing. Parks like these are very different from the United States official national parks, where the focus isn’t on play or leisure, but rather education and appreciation for nature. While these places still have room for fun, they have taught the greater American society to have a true awe for the natural. This movement for preservation and appreciation was started by naturalists like John Muir and President Cleveland. 

Before the first official National Park, there was Yosemite. John Muir wrote about the beauty and natural California trees, rivers, and rocks. When published, the public gained a greater dedication to nature. President Abraham Lincoln also advocated for the protection of Yosemite during the Civil War. The first national park was created on March 1st, 1872 by Congress when they established Yellowstone National Park. This huge territory lay in Wyoming and Montana and featured classical American beauty. The park was established as a place of leisure and enjoyment for people. 

After this, the United States government started taking land from the West to form more and more National Parks for public activity. By August of 1916, Woodrow Wilson, the United States president at the time, created the National Parks Service. This was the first federal bureau established for the sole purpose of public parks and recreation. At this time, the US had 35 national parks, all protected by the National Parks Service. The “Organic Act” was also passed, which essentially stated that all National Parks should be preserved to be as natural and untouched as possible. This was very beneficial to wildlife and overall preservation.

In 1933, an executive order was passed stating that all monuments and military sights be transferred from the War Service to the National Parks Service. Then in 1970, the General Authorities Act concluded that the National Parks Service would also include public and historic sights. Overall, these spaces have created joy and pride among Americans. Due to progressive laws and actions, these areas have been kept in their purest state, allowing generation among generation to enjoy their spaces. Whether you live in California or Wyoming, parks have a spot in many American hearts.