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National Park Timeline
The history of our National Park system and other federal lands began in 1790 when the District of Columbia was formed. This included what now is part of our park system; the White House, the National Mall, and the National Capital Parks. But it was not until Yellowstone was installed as a National Park on March 1, 1872 that you could truly say that the National Park System was founded. And it was a great founding. The National Park Timeline here will be organized by current park unit, in alphabetical order, and include the dates of formation, and any other changes that may have occurred.
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Other Important Dates
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National Park Timeline
Dates of Note
March 1, 1872 - First National Park established with Yellowstone National ParkJune 8, 1906 - Antiquities Act passed
August 25, 1916 - U.S. Congress authorizes the National Park Service
August 21, 1935 - Historic Sites Act
June 23, 1936 - Park, Parkway, and Recreation Area Study Act
September 3, 1964 - Wilderness Act
September 31, 1965 - Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965
October 15, 1966 - National Historic Preservation Act
October 2, 1968 - National Trails System Act
October 2, 1968 - Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
Park Service Codes
NB = National BattlefieldNP = National Park
NBP = National Battlefield Park
NPres = National Preserve
NBS = National Battlefield Site
NR = National River
NBP = National Historical Park
NRA = National Recreation Area
NHS = National Historic Site
NS = National Seashore
NL = National Lakeshore
NSR = National Scenic River
NM = National Monument
NST = National Scenic Trail
NMem = National Memorial
WSR = Wild and Scenic River
NMP = National Military Park
History Photo Bomb
White Sands National Monument. Courtesy National Park Service.
Siege of Vicksburg. Courtesy Library of Congress.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Courtesy National Park Service.
Zion National Park. Courtesy National Park Service.
