Acadia National Park
On July 8, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson created Sieur de Monts National Monument, which later became Acadia National Park. The park is located on Maine’s Mount Desert Island, Isle Au Haut, on the Schoodic Peninsula.
National Parks
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
On June 15, 1934, Franklin Roosevelt signed legislation establishing Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Home to some of the highest mountains in North America, the park is one of the most visited in the United States.
Gateway Arch Opens to the Public
On June 10, 1967, the Gateway Arch opened in St. Louis, Missouri. A monument to America’s westward expansion, it’s the tallest arch in the world at 630 feet.
Happy Birthday John Muir
John Muir was born on April 21, 1838, in Dunbar, Scotland. Considered the “Father of the National Parks,” he dedicated most of his life to exploring wilderness and protecting it, most famously Yosemite Valley in California.
Voyageurs National Park
On April 8, 1975, an Act of Congress officially established Voyageurs National Park. The park preserves and commemorates the thousands of men who paddled their canoes through Canada and Minnesota with their bundles of furs. Not only did they help grow the economy of the area, but they encouraged settlement and opened pathways previously unknown to bring people to the northwest.
Mount Rainier National Park
On March 2, 1899, William McKinley signed a bill establishing Mount Rainier National Park. It was the first national park created from land already set aside as forest reserves.
Grand Teton National Park Established
On February 26, 1929, President Calvin Coolidge signed legislation creating Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park.
Bandelier National Monument
On February 11, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed legislation establishing Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico. The 33,677-acre park protects ancient pueblo structures and is home to a notable Civilian Conservation Corp district.
Shenandoah National Park
On December 26, 1935, Shenandoah National Park was officially established in Virginia. The park is most well-known for its 105-mile Skyline Drive.