History
The idea of national parks began in the early 19th century with artist George Catlin proposing a "nation's park" to protect natural and cultural resources.
This concept gained momentum, leading to the Yosemite Grant in 1864, which set aside the Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove for preservation. In 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant established Yellowstone as the world's first national park. Subsequent laws, like the Forest Reserve Act and Antiquities Act, expanded protections, eventually leading to the creation of the National Park Service.
Notable Figures
George Catlin: An artist who first proposed the idea of a "nation's park" to preserve Native American culture and wildlife.
John Muir: A naturalist and advocate for wilderness preservation, instrumental in the establishment of Yosemite National Park.
Theodore Roosevelt: As president, he was a devoted advocate for conservation, establishing numerous national parks, forests, and monuments.
Books
- National Parks of the USA by Kate Siber
- All Aboard! National Parks: A Wildlife Primer by Haily Meyers, Kevin Meyers
- USA National Parks: Lands of Wonder by DK Eyewitness
