Encompassing more than 370 diverse areas including vast tracts of wilderness, spectacular scenery and habitat, historic places, and urban parks, the U.S. National Park System is the envy of the world. This exhaustive illustrated Encyclopedia is the most comprehensive look at the history and development of the park system ever published.

Noted environmental scholar Hal Rothman and Sara Dant Ewert explore the history, issues, and legacy of the National Park System, beginning with the passage of the Antiquities Act of 1906 right up to the twenty-first century. An introductory essay details the history of the National Park System and wilderness preservation organisers; biographies examine the most influential historical figures and personalities who shaped and influenced the park system; and A-Z entries provide in-depth information on the history of more than 350 national parks, historic sites, monuments, battlefields, recreation areas, parklands, memorials, trails, and preserves.