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The National Park ServiceThe National Park Service Cares for special places saved by the
American people so that all may experience our heritage.
Experience Your America
On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the act creating the National Park Service, a new federal bureau in the Department of the Interior responsible for protecting the 40 national parks and monuments then in existence and those yet to be established.
This "Organic Act" of 1916 states that "the Service thus established shall promote and regulate the use of Federal areas known as national parks, monuments and reservations . . . by such means and measures as conform to the fundamental purpose of the said parks, monuments and reservations, which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."
The National Park Service still strives to meet these original goals, while filling many other roles as well: guardian of our diverse cultural and recreational resources; environmental advocate; world leader in the parks and preservation community; and pioneer in the drive to protect America's open space.
The National Park System of the United States comprises over 379 areas covering more than 83 million acres in 49 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, Saipan, and the Virgin Islands. Although not all parks are as well known as the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone, all are areas of such national significance that they have been included in the National Park Service — ancient ruins, battlefields, birthplaces, memorials, recreation areas, and countless other wonders. Point Reyes National Seashore is one of ten national seashores.
The future of the National Park System lies in understanding and protecting its meanings, values, and resources. Each part of the system represents the United States and a part of our heritage. Preservation of individual sites and the entire system will ensure the essence of quality remains in our lives and the lives of all future generations.
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