Historical Marker

Everglades National Park

Historical marker location:
815 Oyster Bar Lane, Everglade City, Florida
( Marker is on Oyster Bar Lane.)

  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 Everglades, one of Florida's most iconic natural landmarks, was not always a protected area. In fact, it was once considered a worthless swamp and was drained and developed for agricultural purposes in the early 20th century.
Florida random facts
Collier County, located in southwestern Florida, has a rich history that spans thousands of years. Before the arrival of European settlers, the region was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Calusa and the Seminole. The Calusa were known for their complex canal systems, shell mounds, and sophisticated social structure. Spanish explorers, such as Juan Ponce de León, first encountered the Calusa in the early 16th century.

European settlement in the area began in the late 19th century. The construction of the Tamiami Trail, a roadway connecting Tampa and Miami, played a crucial role in the development of the county. The trail was completed in 1928, opening up the area for agriculture, trade, and tourism. It also led to the founding of the county in 1923, which was named after advertising magnate Barron Collier.

Collier County experienced rapid growth and development in the mid-20th century. The construction of the Everglades Jetport in the 1960s was a major project that aimed to transform the area into a thriving metropolitan hub. However, environmental concerns and legal battles ultimately prevented the jetport from opening. Instead, the land was incorporated into the Big Cypress National Preserve and maintained its natural integrity.

Today, Collier County is known for its stunning natural beauty and thriving tourism industry. The county is home to the famous Everglades National Park, which attracts visitors from around the world. The region's subtropical climate, beautiful beaches, and abundant outdoor recreational activities make it a popular destination for both residents and tourists alike. With a strong emphasis on preserving its natural resources and unique ecosystems, Collier County continues to evolve while maintaining its connection to its rich history.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Collier County, Florida.

  • Created in 1923
  • Named after Barron Collier, a New York City advertising mogul
  • Development of Collier County began in the late 1920s as the Tamiami Trail was completed
  • Immokalee, the largest inland community in the county, was established in the 1930s
  • During World War II, the county served as a training ground for the United States Army
  • Following the war, the construction of the Naples Municipal Airport started in the late 1940s
  • In the 1950s, Collier County experienced population growth with the development of Naples and other coastal communities
  • Collier County was officially incorporated as a county in 1961
  • Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, Collier County continued to grow as a popular tourist destination
  • In 1997, Hurricane Irma caused significant damage and flooding in the area