Historical Marker

Redwood National Park

Historical marker location:
1111 2nd St, Crescent City, California
( Marker can be reached from the intersection of 2nd Street and K Street.)
Marker installed: 1980

UNESCO World Heritage Site

  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.

Audiobooks about the history of California.
California has the largest economy of any state in the U.S. and the fifth largest economy in the world. The state's GDP in 2021 was $3.2 trillion, which is larger than the GDP of many countries, including Canada, Russia, and Australia.
California random facts
Del Norte County, located in the northwestern corner of California, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Yurok, Tolowa, and Karok. These tribes thrived off the bountiful natural resources of the area, including salmon runs and redwood forests.

European contact came in the 16th century when explorers from Spain and Russia arrived on the coast. However, it wasn't until the mid-19th century during the California Gold Rush that significant settlement and development occurred. In 1853, Del Norte County was officially established, named after the northernmost town along the coast, Del Norte (Spanish for "the north").

The discovery of gold in the Klamath River brought an influx of miners and settlers to the area. Del Norte County became an important hub for trade and transportation, with towns like Crescent City and Smith River serving as vital economic centers.

Over the years, Del Norte County experienced its share of challenges and tragedies. The devastating 1964 Alaska earthquake, which triggered a tsunami and resulted in significant damage to Crescent City, stands out as one of the most impactful events in the county's history.

Today, Del Norte County is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the majestic redwood forests of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and the rugged coastline of the Pacific Ocean. It continues to attract visitors who are drawn to its rich history, outdoor recreational opportunities, and charming small towns.

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

  • 1857 - Del Norte County is established and named after the "North" part of the nearby Klamath River
  • 1858 - Gold is discovered along the Klamath River, leading to a gold rush in the area
  • 1870 - The city of Crescent City is incorporated
  • 1895 - The Crescent City and Smith River Railroad is established, connecting Crescent City to the timber mills in nearby Oregon
  • 1913 - The historic Battery Point Lighthouse is built in Crescent City
  • 1942 - During World War II, the Del Norte County Fairgrounds are used as a Japanese internment camp
  • 1956 - The two-span Crescent City Harbor Bridge is completed, providing improved access between Crescent City and the harbor
  • 1964 - Crescent City is devastated by a tsunami following a 9.2 magnitude earthquake in Alaska
  • 1989 - The Redwood National and State Parks, including parts of Del Norte County, are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • 2006 - The Chip Seal Road Program is initiated, aiming to improve road conditions throughout Del Norte County