The National Park Service conserves the scenic, natural, and historic heritage of the United States through parklands. J. Hirt, an artist with the federal Works Progress Administration (WPA), created this poster in 1939. It celebrates the preservation of wildlife—one of the many missions of the National Park Service.
Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress
The National Parks Preserve Wild Life. Poster, ca. 1939
Creating National Parks
Congress authorized the first national park, Yellowstone, in 1872. It was the first of many areas of beauty and scenic wonder preserved by Congress for future generations to enjoy. In the following decade, Congress designated additional national parks to conserve wilderness, to promote recreation and tourism, and to celebrate the nation’s historical heritage. The National Park Service, created by an act of Congress in 1916, now oversees some 400 parks located throughout the U.S.
The National Park Service conserves the scenic, natural, and historic heritage of the United States through parklands. J. Hirt, an artist with the federal Works Progress Administration (WPA), created this poster in 1939. It celebrates the preservation of wildlife—one of the many missions of the National Park Service.
Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress
