Yellowstone Becomes First National Park
On March 1, 1872, president Ulysses S. Grant signed legislation establishing Yellowstone National Park, the first such park in the world.
National Parks
Completion of Washington Monument
On December 6, 1884, the Washington Monument was completed, 36 years after its cornerstone was laid.
Founding of El Yunque National Forest
On January 17, 1903, the National Forest Service established Luquillo Forest Reserve (today known as El Yunque National Forest) in Puerto Rico.
Work Begins on Mount Rushmore
On October 4, 1927, Gutzon Borglum began sculpting Mount Rushmore in South Dakota’s Black Hills.
Redwood National Park Established
On October 2, 1968, Lyndon B. Johnson signed legislation establishing Redwood National Park.
Devils Tower Becomes First American National Monument
On September 24, 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt declared Devils Tower in Wyoming to be the first National Monument under the Antiquities Act.