TODAY IN PARK HISTORY

Theodore Roosevelt
Courtesy of the Library of Congress

MAY 21

1932
Theodore Roosevelt Island Park, a 91-acre wooded island in the Potomac, is authorized as a memorial to the 26th President of the United States. The park is a fitting testament to Roosevelt's contribution in the field of conservation. During his time in the White House (1901-1909) he provided federal protection for almost 230 million acres, including 5 national parks, 150 national forests, the first 18 national monuments and the first 51 federal bird reservations.