Uploaded November 2023 | Updated September 2026, 4 days ago
We're used to thinking of National Parks as ever-present. At least since they first showed up in American history. Yellowstone was created way back in 1872, after all. It's over 150 years old. But, I'm here to tell you about the 5 National Parks in American history that no longer exist. Some are still part of the National Park System, but have just changed designations, while others have moved out of the NPS altogether. I think we can learn a lot about what it means to be a National Park by taking a look at these unfortunate 5, but we can also use them to evaluate our own collective relationship with National Parks over time. Enjoy!
Support me on Patreon: patreon.com/nationalparkdiaries
Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/nationalparkdiaries
Sources and Resources:
nps.gov/fomc/learn/historyculture/the-great-garrison-flag.htm
nps.gov/fomc/learn/historyculture/the-national-anthem.htm
npshistory.com/publications/fomc/adhi.pdf
nationalparkstraveler.org/2011/12/gone-and-mostly-forgotten-26-abolished-national-parks9202
npshistory.com/publications/abli/adhi/index.htm
nps.gov/chic/learn/historyculture/stories.htm
nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/chic/guidebook/index.htm
nps.gov/chic/learn/historyculture/pnp-1900s.htm
nps.gov/chic/learn/historyculture/the-ccc-years-1933-1940.htm
nps.gov/chic/learn/historyculture/pnp-post-ccc.htm
nps.gov/chic/learn/historyculture/mineral-spring-parks.htm
georgewright.org/151wray.pdf
nationalparkstraveler.org/2010/04/pruning-parks-north-dakota%E2%80%99s-sullys-hill-national-park-1904-19315743
mlive.com/life-and-culture/g66l-2019/03/e5f658dfa63930/mackinac-island-used-to-be-americas-second-national-park.html
nationalparkstraveler.org/2011/05/pruning-parks-mackinac-national-park-1875-18958079
Images and Music:
Storyblocks
NPS (Victoria Stauffenberg)
Library of Congress
Detroit Public Library
Mackinac State Historic Parks
State of Michigan Archives
Mikel Classen Historical Pictures Collection
Oklahoma Historical Society
USFWS/Audrey Bohl
Marc Goebel
Korrie Wenzel/Forum News Network
Theodore Roosevelt Center
We're used to thinking of National Parks as ever-present. At least since they first showed up in American history. Yellowstone was created way back in 1872, after all. It's over 150 years old. But, I'm here to tell you about the 5 National Parks in American history that no longer exist. Some are still part of the National Park System, but have just changed designations, while others have moved out of the NPS altogether. I think we can learn a lot about what it means to be a National Park by taking a look at these unfortunate 5, but we can also use them to evaluate our own collective relationship with National Parks over time. Enjoy!
Support me on Patreon: patreon.com/nationalparkdiaries
Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/nationalparkdiaries
Sources and Resources:
nps.gov/fomc/learn/historyculture/the-great-garrison-flag.htm
nps.gov/fomc/learn/historyculture/the-national-anthem.htm
npshistory.com/publications/fomc/adhi.pdf
nationalparkstraveler.org/2011/12/gone-and-mostly-forgotten-26-abolished-national-parks9202
npshistory.com/publications/abli/adhi/index.htm
nps.gov/chic/learn/historyculture/stories.htm
nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/chic/guidebook/index.htm
nps.gov/chic/learn/historyculture/pnp-1900s.htm
nps.gov/chic/learn/historyculture/the-ccc-years-1933-1940.htm
nps.gov/chic/learn/historyculture/pnp-post-ccc.htm
nps.gov/chic/learn/historyculture/mineral-spring-parks.htm
georgewright.org/151wray.pdf
nationalparkstraveler.org/2010/04/pruning-parks-north-dakota%E2%80%99s-sullys-hill-national-park-1904-19315743
mlive.com/life-and-culture/g66l-2019/03/e5f658dfa63930/mackinac-island-used-to-be-americas-second-national-park.html
nationalparkstraveler.org/2011/05/pruning-parks-mackinac-national-park-1875-18958079
Images and Music:
Storyblocks
NPS (Victoria Stauffenberg)
Library of Congress
Detroit Public Library
Mackinac State Historic Parks
State of Michigan Archives
Mikel Classen Historical Pictures Collection
Oklahoma Historical Society
USFWS/Audrey Bohl
Marc Goebel
Korrie Wenzel/Forum News Network
Theodore Roosevelt Center
