Scotts Bluff National Monument celebrates 100 years with cake, friends
Posted: Thursday, August 25, 2016 5:15 pm
Visitors flocked to the Scotts Bluff National Momunment on Thursday, Aug. 25 to mark the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.
Before heading up to the top of the monument, visitors enjoyed cake and a little history about the monument.
The National Park Service was created to manage the national parks on Aug. 25, 1916, by President Woodrow Wilson. The parks had been protected by the U.S. Army and present-day park ranger uniforms pay homage to the Army colors. In 1916, there were 14 national parks and 20 national monuments. With the addition on Aug. 24 of 87,500 acres of rugged terrain of the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument the national park service now takes care of 413 units across the country.
Scotts Bluff National Monument Superintendent Dan Mofford said the National Park Service continues to look at areas that could be preserved for future generations to enjoy.
“This is a unique time for a celebration,” Mofford said. “Woodrow Wilson established the national parks 100 years ago, but I believe Scotts Bluff is the one of the best ones.”
Lesley Gaunt, park ranger, said national parks are important because they protect the resources and history of our heritage. “We have been given an amazingly large piece of the continent that hadn’t been lived in and we have a chance to preserve our history,” Gaunt said. “We are actively preserving our history for future generations.”
Delfien *** and David ***, of Belgium, arrived just in time for the celebrations to begin. This is ***'s 10th visit to the United States. This time, she wanted to make it to Yellowstone National Park. The Scotts Bluff National Monument was her first stop on this trip. The two plan to visit Carhenge, Custer State Park, Mt. Rushmore, the Black Hills and Devil’s Tower before spending four days in Yellowstone.
Delfien had visited New York in May and learned this year was the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. She was already impressed by the landscape in the short time she’s been in Scottsbluff.
“I’m really impressed with how much land is untouched and how you have preserved it for everyone,” *** said.
During the 19th-century travelers influenced the area and on Saturday, Aug. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors will be able to meet those travelers at locations around the area. To learn about the fur trade-era, visit Robidoux Trading Post to talk to a trader. Learn about the Mormons and the handcart companies, at Rebecca Winters’ grave site. A soldier will be stationed at the Fort Mitchell site to explain how he protected trails and what 1860s life at a frontier fort was like. At the monument, there will be a Pony Express rider next to the visitor center who will explain what it took to be a rider.
Pioneer women will be at the wagons to share what life was like in a prairie schooner. The photographs of William Henry Jackson on the Hayden Expedition are important to the creation of the first national park, Yellowstone His life will be discussed at the monument.
All National Monuments, National Historic Sites, National Battlefields and National Recreation Areas will be free of charge until Aug. 28. Recreation fees, such as camping and tour fees, will still be charged.
A map and written guide for the tour is available at the Scotts Bluff National Monument visitor center. For more information, call 308-436-9700.
Geen opmerkingen:
Een reactie posten