THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO AMERICAS NATIONAL PARKS

lt:stronggt:The complete guide to the national parks, national monuments and memorials, military parks and battlefields, national trails, seashores, rivers and marine conservation areas, national recreation areas, national highways, preserves and reserves of the United Stateslt:/stronggt:lt:br /gt: lt:br /gt: Since 1872, when Yellowstone became Americas inaugural national park, these protected areas have enthralled visitors from around the globe. Currently the 63 national parks attract more than 300 million visitors each year. But what is the X factor that draws people again and again to these historic places or wilderness spaces? lt:br /gt: lt:br /gt: In this comprehensive guide readers will begin to understand the character of these parks, for each is, in its own way, truly unique.lt:br /gt: lt:br /gt: ó Begin with handy stats about the parks location, size, number of visitors, date established, elevation, and geology.lt:br /gt: ó Explore the history of each park, including early cultures, homesteaders and settlers, commercia