Skip to main content

History

Buffalo Soldiers
Buffalo Soldiers: The First African American 'Park Rangers'

On the 150th anniversary of the formation of the African American Buffalo Soldiers regiments, learn about their vital role in the history of the national parks (and of the Presidio)—and discover why Teddy Roosevelt had a special place in his heart for them.

Frank Dean
A Dean Among Rangers: Park Superintendent Retires

After a National Park Service career of almost 40 years, Frank Dean is retiring. Learn about his enduring legacy at Golden Gate—and find out what’s next for Frank in his remarkable life of work on behalf of public lands.

Hirsutory: A Hairy History of the Parklands

With men around the world growing mustaches in “Movember,” we sought inspiration in the annals of the Golden Gate National Parks. These parklands have seen many fine gentlemen of the face fur, and this list will “razor” awareness of some fascinating historical figures!

bird watching
GGRO at 30: A Bird’s-Eye View of Its Successes

The Golden Gate Raptor Observatory turns 30 this fall. With the GGRO at a stage of maturity and reflection, Director Allen Fish tells the tale of the people who founded this pioneering citizen science program. Also, discover its many volunteer-driven accomplishments—and inventions!

Presidio Native Plant Nursery staff
Oh, How We Have Grown

In 1997, there was no organized nursery program, restoration work was relatively small-scale, and greenhouses were made of pipes and plastic sheets. From that humble start, Betty Young led nursery staff and dedicated volunteers in growing over 2 million plants. On the eve of Betty’s retirement, hear her story.

Muir Woods Historic Redwoods
The Story Behind the Newly Named Founders Grove

Thousands of people from all corners of the world experience the magic of Muir Woods every year. But who are the people who influenced the creation and establishment of this national monument? And how are they honored in the redwoods today?

Koch-Cliff Cafe & staff c1912
The Cliff House and San Francisco’s Long History of Dining Out

A treasure of the Golden Gate National Parks, the Cliff House marks its 150th anniversary in July. It opened in 1863, in a city famous for its multitude and variety of restaurants. But why so many dining establishments, and how did San Francisco’s culture of “dining out” develop?

Dipsea Trail (Mount Tamalpais)
Ten Park Trail Names Explained

Most trail names are self-explanatory; they take their monikers from the area’s geographic features or natural resources. But some are a little more cryptic and obscure. In honor of National Trails Day on June 1, we did a little sleuthing into 10 mysterious trail names.

MUWO-170222-PMM_010-2x1
John Muir, Merely a Naturalist?

2013 marks the 175th birthday of "The Father of the National Parks"—John Muir. Many of us know him as a naturalist, but did you know that John Muir was also an engineer, writer, explorer, botanist, geologist, and the founder of the Sierra Club?

The 1974 uniform regulations brought forth the fourth uniform change for women in fourteen years.
Go-Go Boots and the Green and Gray

Take a fascinating look back at National Park Service uniforms for women—from the “Army corps” look to the “stewardess” outfit. As Women’s History Month draws to a close, we explore how the evolution of NPS uniforms reflects women’s long struggle for equality in the workforce.