When Was Guadalupe Mountains National Park Established?
Guadalupe Mountains National Park was officially established on September 30, 1972, becoming part of the United States’ National Park System. Located in far West Texas near the New Mexico border, the park preserves a dramatic section of the Guadalupe Mountain range, including Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas at 8,751 feet.
The Road to Establishment
While the park wasn’t officially created until 1972, efforts to preserve the region began decades earlier:
- 1920s–1950s: Conservationists and naturalists recognized the ecological and geological significance of the Guadalupe Mountains. The area includes a rare fossil reef from the Permian Period, rugged desert landscapes, and forested canyons.
- 1959: A major step forward came when Wallace E. Pratt, a geologist and conservationist, donated over 5,000 acres of his land in McKittrick Canyon to the federal government. Pratt believed the area deserved protection and public enjoyment.
- October 15, 1966: Congress authorized the establishment of the park through Public Law 89-667, though it took several years of land acquisition and planning before the park could officially open.
- September 30, 1972: Guadalupe Mountains National Park was formally established and opened to the public.
Why Was It Established?
The park was created to protect and preserve:
- The Guadalupe Mountains, remnants of a 260-million-year-old marine reef
- Diverse plant and animal life from desert lowlands to alpine forests
- Important historical sites, including Native American heritage and early ranching
- Scenic areas like McKittrick Canyon, famed for its fall colors and natural beauty
Guadalupe Mountains National Park History
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1920s–1950s | Conservation interest grows in protecting the Guadalupe Mountains region. |
| 1959 | Geologist Wallace E. Pratt donates over 5,000 acres in McKittrick Canyon to the U.S. government. |
| October 15, 1966 | U.S. Congress authorizes the creation of Guadalupe Mountains National Park through Public Law 89-667. |
| 1966–1972 | Land acquisitions and preparations are completed for park establishment. |
| September 30, 1972 | Guadalupe Mountains National Park is officially established and opens to the public. |
Modern-Day Significance
Today, Guadalupe Mountains National Park covers more than 86,000 acres and offers a haven for hikers, geologists, biologists, and those seeking solitude in nature. Despite its grandeur, it remains one of the lesser-known national parks, offering a peaceful alternative to more crowded destinations.