This coming Thursday, August 25th, 2016, the National Park Service will be celebrating its 100th birthday at Arch Park in Gardiner, Montana.
The ‘Roosevelt Arch’ is the location Montanans and the world in general will reflect upon the accomplishments of the United States’ National Park Service over the past one hundred years.
It is well known that Theodore Roosevelt, our 26th President, was a conservationist. He advocated and extended Federal protection to both land and wildlife. He helped to create five National Parks, 18 new National Monuments, and the United States Forest Service.
So, in 1903 , it was fitting for ‘Teddy’ Roosevelt to dedicate and lay the cornerstone to the triumphal arch at the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park, our nation’s first National Park (established in 1872.)
Originally, The Arch was built to welcome visitors, arriving by train on the Northern Pacific Railroad, to the only entrance to Yellowstone. Finished in August 1903, The Arch made entry into Yellowstone a grand experience indeed…I believe the same still holds true today.
Overhead, The Arch proclaims that it was constructed “For The Benefit And Enjoyment Of The People.” One could say that the National Park Service protects and cares for our national parks with the same credo.
We are indeed lucky to have the NPS looking over and caring for our national parks. Happy Birthday National Park Service!
Feel free to visit Montana Treasures’ Pinterest boards dedicated to southwest Montana and neighboring Yellowstone National Park…videos, photos, and products dedicated to Big Sky Country and The Last Best Place.
Todd Rivers, Founder, Montana Treasures
Shop for the Roosevelt Arch and other Montana posters!
Leave a comment