The National Park Service is an agency of the United States federal government based in the Main Interior Building in Washington, DC. This branch of government is responsible for and manages all national parks, monuments, and other historical properties. But did you know they also have an investigative branch that has been solving cold cases for decades?
The National Park Service (NSP) has its own Investigative Services Division. The FBI of the NSP is solving decades-old Cold Cases in the most difficult of circumstances.
The History of National Park Services
By the early 20th century, it was clear that a system of national parks was being created in the country. All national parks and monuments were under the purview of the Interior Department, but at that time, each was administered separately and by different authorities.
On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed legislation establishing the National Park Service, a new federal bureau within the Department of the Interior tasked with protecting the 35 national parks and monuments managed by the department at the time, as well as those yet to be established.
The Service thus established shall promote and regulate the use of the Federal areas known as national parks, monuments, and reservations by such means and measures as conforming 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 Organic Act
of parks we have today, a system that encompasses places of historical, aesthetic, and scientific interest.
The National Park System, which began with the establishment of Yellowstone National Park in 1872, has since grown to include superlative natural, historic, and recreation areas in every region. The purpose of this Act is to include all such areas in the System….
Congress Declaring General Authorities Act of 1970
(Source: The National Park Services)
Covering Hundreds of Parks
More than 400 locations totaling more than 84 million acres are now part of the United States National Park System, including the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, Saipan, and the Virgin Islands. According to several acts of Congress, specific sites are of such national importance that they warrant special recognition and protection.
National parks can only be established through such acts of Congress, and additions to the National Park System are now frequently made through such legislation. However, the Antiquities Act of 1906 gives the President the power to declare national monuments on properties already under government control.
Congress often asks the Secretary of the Interior for advice on suggested System additions. The National Park System Advisory Board, which comprises private persons, advises the Secretary of the Interior on potential additions to the System and management policies. (Source: The National Park Services)
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