History of Zion National Park

One of the most visited places in the southwestern part of the United States is Zion National Park, a place that draws in visitors magnetically all year round, for over 100 years. Found right in the heart of Utah is 229 square miles of canyon-scenery natural beauty. It supports some of the most breathtaking views of America, including high points of sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and forests full of incredible varieties of wildlife.

Around 1850, Nephi Johnson and another Paiute guide went into the central canyon to see if he could actually raise a crop in the bottom field. He returned with a great report and early Mormons began moving into what would become Springdale. It was not an easy process to settle Springdale. Being one of the early settlers, this place was named Zion by Isaac Behunin—a word dear within the vocabulary of the Mormon faith. It speaks for the place of spiritual refuge and a future utopia for the LDS people. This area was highly important to early settlers and it is easy for anyone to understand why once they have beheld Zion Canyon for themselves.

Unfortunately, as had so often been the event throughout history, the arrival of white settlers ushered in disease and displacement for the Native American population. Scores of settlers, explorers, railroaders, ranchers, and miners passed through during the late 1800s and early 1900s. A renowned explorer named John Wesley Powell called the place Mukuntuweap. It was what the Paiute people called the area, taking its meaning as "straight canyon" in the Paiute language. By the late 1800s, exhibits of the American landscape were inspired by the views of Zion and began to create some of the most well-known pictures. Some of the art were entries in an exhibit at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis, Missouri, showcasing paintings by the highly acclaimed artist Frederick S. Dellenbaugh.

In 1909, President William Taft announced that the region of Mukuntuweap be brought under federal protection and in its place christened it as Mukuntuweap National Monument. This did not go well with the people of Utah who had christened the area with a different name. Nearly a decade later, assistant director of the National Park Service Horace Albright renamed it Zion National Monument in 1918. A year later, in 1919, it was promoted to Zion National Park. The second Zion National Monument was proclaimed on January 22, 1937, by President Roosevelt. This one had protection for over 36,000 acres, now comprising Kolob Canyons. The Kolob Canyons area was included in Zion National Park in 1956.

As of today, Zion National Park is one of the most visited national parks in all of the United States. The paradise of outdoor enthusiasts who like to make the most of their visit with lots of activities including world-class climbing and hiking. No wonder it was and is very close to the hearts of visitors as it has featured splendid landscapes, unique geology, and rich history. There is something within the boundaries of Zion National Park that would suit every taste from the most relaxed family vacation to the most memorable time of adventure.

It is also inhabited by diversity of wildlife—from mule deer and bighorn sheep to over 250 species of birds. Other endangered species that you may be able to spot at the park include the California Condor. The natural beauty and the wildlife found in this park make Zion National Park one of the best incredible places not to miss touring in the United States.

Zion National Park has been one of the most visited places for over a hundred years. From its mighty landscape and rich history to the plenitude of wildlife, these are just a few things that make the place peculiar. Everything here is suited for some adventure—one to be kept in memories for a lifetime.