Historical Marker

Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Parks

Historical marker location:
Three Rivers, California
( Marker can be reached from River Road.)
Marker installed: 1976

  A brief timeline of the history of the National Parks

  • 1872: Yellowstone National Park is established as the first national park in the United States and widely recognized as the first national park in the world.

  • 1890: Yosemite National Park is established in California, protecting its iconic landscapes and natural wonders.

  • 1916: The National Park Service (NPS) is created as a federal agency responsible for managing and preserving national parks. Stephen Mather becomes the first director of the NPS.

  • 1919: Grand Canyon National Park is established in Arizona, safeguarding its immense and awe-inspiring canyon.

  • 1926: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is established, becoming the most visited national park in the United States.

  • 1933: President Franklin D. Roosevelt establishes the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as part of his New Deal program. The CCC plays a crucial role in the development and conservation of national parks, employing thousands of young men in projects such as trail construction, reforestation, and infrastructure improvements.

  • 1964: The Wilderness Act is passed, protecting designated wilderness areas within national parks and other public lands, ensuring their preservation in their natural state.

  • 1970: The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is signed into law, mandating environmental impact assessments for federal projects, including those within national parks.

  • 1980: The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act is passed, expanding the national park system and adding significant areas of land in Alaska, including the establishment of Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve.

  • 2009: President Barack Obama signs the Omnibus Public Land Management Act into law, designating several new national parks and expanding existing ones, such as Joshua Tree National Park and Zion National Park.

  • Present: The U.S. National Park system has grown to include over 60 designated national parks, as well as national monuments, preserves, seashores, and historic sites. These protected areas attract millions of visitors each year and serve as vital conservation areas for biodiversity, natural wonders, cultural heritage, and outdoor recreation.

The establishment and continued expansion of the U.S. National Parks reflect a commitment to preserving and sharing the country's unique natural and cultural treasures for future generations.

The first drive-in movie theater in the world was opened in California in 1933. The theater, called the Drive-In Theatre, was located in Camden, New Jersey. However, the drive-in movie theater became more popular in California and eventually spread across the country.
California random facts
Tulare County, located in central California, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. Before European settlement, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Yokuts and Tule River tribes, who relied on the fertile land and abundant water resources for their sustenance.

The first European explorers arrived in the area in the 18th century, with Spanish missionaries establishing missions in nearby regions. In 1822, Mexico gained independence from Spain, and Tulare County became part of Mexico's Alta California. The region's agricultural potential attracted American settlers, who began migrating to the area in the mid-19th century.

In 1852, Tulare County was carved out of Mariposa County, making it one of California's original 27 counties. The county experienced a boom during the California Gold Rush, as people passed through the area on their way to the goldfields. Agriculture, particularly wheat production, became the dominant industry in the late 19th century, attracting more settlers to the region.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw significant growth and development in Tulare County. The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1872 helped facilitate transportation and trade in the area, leading to further economic expansion. With the advent of irrigation technologies and the construction of reservoirs, the county became a major producer of citrus fruits, cotton, and dairy products.

Today, Tulare County remains an important agricultural hub, known for its fertile land and diverse range of crops. The county is also home to iconic landmarks such as Sequoia National Park, which attracts visitors from around the world. While agriculture remains central to the county's economy, Tulare County has also diversified into industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism, ensuring its continued growth and prosperity.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Tulare County, California.

  • 1852 - Tulare County is established by the California Legislature
  • 1855 - The town of Visalia is founded
  • 1861 - The county courthouse is built in Visalia
  • 1873 - The Southern Pacific Railroad reaches Tulare County
  • 1890 - The city of Tulare is incorporated
  • 1891 - The first irrigation district in the county is formed
  • 1904 - Sequoia National Park is established, encompassing a portion of Tulare County
  • 1940s - Tulare County becomes a major producer of agricultural commodities
  • 1965 - The California Health Sciences University is founded in Tulare County
  • 1995 - The Tule River Indian Reservation is established