By Jack S. Waverly
Many people who think of National Parks think of protected woodlands such as Yellowstone or open spaces such as the Grand Canyon. The National Park Service in America also includes historic places such as George Washington's Mansion and the Lincoln Memorial. Each national park is part of the National Park Service regardless of its size or location. The Park Service employs about 20,000 people with almost a quarter-million visitors each year.
Identification
The National Park Service is maintained by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The National Park Service is the only type of national park system in the world.
History
Yellowstone National Park was the first national park, created by President Ulysses S. Grant in 1872. The National Park System was created in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson.
The Numbers
There are 391 national parks in the United States with more than 84 million acres covered. National parks are in almost every state and territory.
Types
The National Park System covers forests and remnants of ancient civilizations. It also covers historical homes and battlefields of American history.
Fun Fact
Delaware is the only state without a national park, while the District of Columbia has almost 25 percent of it classified as a national park. The White House is considered a national park.
Resources
About the Author:
Jack S. Waverly is a New York-based freelance writer who writes articles relating to business, personal finance, gardening, sustainable living and business management. Waverly is published on Pluck, Happy News and many other websites.
