Historical Marker

Haleakalā National Park

Historical marker location:
Kula, Hawaii
( Marker is on Crater Road.)

Summit District

  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.

Hawaii was originally an independent kingdom, with a monarchy that lasted from 1810 to 1893. The kingdom was overthrown by American businessmen and politicians who wanted to annex Hawaii to the United States.
Hawaii random facts
Maui County, located in the state of Hawaii, is made up of several islands, including Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe. The history of Maui County is deeply intertwined with the history and culture of the Hawaiian people, dating back thousands of years.

The islands of Maui County have a rich Polynesian heritage, with Hawaiian settlement on Maui dating back to at least 1200 AD. Ancient Hawaiians developed agricultural systems and established complex social structures on the islands. They cultivated taro, sweet potatoes, and other crops, and engaged in fishing and hunting as well. The arrival of European explorers and traders in the late 18th century had a significant impact on the islands, bringing both opportunities and challenges.

In 1790, Maui experienced a period of conflict known as the Battle of Kepaniwai, when King Kamehameha I invaded the island. This battle resulted in Kamehameha's victory and the unification of the Hawaiian Islands under his rule. The 19th century saw the arrival of Christian missionaries, who introduced Western education, Christianity, and a new way of life to the Hawaiian people. The sugar industry also became a major economic force during this time, with plantations established across Maui County.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the islands of Maui County saw waves of immigrant laborers arriving to work on the sugar plantations. These immigrants came from places such as China, Japan, the Philippines, and Portugal, and played a crucial role in shaping the cultural diversity of the islands. Throughout the 20th century, tourism became an increasingly important industry for Maui County, attracting visitors from around the world who marveled at the stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant Hawaiian culture. Today, Maui County continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination, while also embracing and celebrating its unique heritage and traditions.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Maui County, Hawaii.

  • Pre-1778: Native Hawaiians inhabit the islands.
  • 1778: British Captain James Cook becomes the first European to visit Maui.
  • 1790: Battle of Kepaniwai takes place, uniting the island under Maui's King Kamehameha I.
  • 1845: The Kingdom of Hawaii is established, and Maui County becomes one of the original four counties.
  • 1876: Lahaina becomes the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii.
  • 1876: Sugar production begins, transforming the economy of Maui County.
  • 1905: The County seat moves to Wailuku.
  • 1959: Hawaii becomes a U.S. state, and Maui County remains one of its counties.
  • 1961: The Hana Highway is completed, providing access to the previously isolated Hana district.
  • 1993: Maui County hosts the World Whale Conference, promoting marine conservation.
  • 2014: Maui County becomes the first place in the U.S. to ban the cultivation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).