America's National Parks

The United States is a country whose vastness and natural wonders never fail to amaze us. America s National Parks is a case in point. This lavishly illustrated book describes each of America s 58 national parks in careful detail, such as how the tract came to be and its distinctive geographical and wildlife features.

America s National Parks starts with a bit of history on the origins of the national park concept, beginning with Yellowstone in 1872. The Yellowstone story, as told in this book, is remarkable. After rumors began circling in Washington, D.C., in the 1860s about an otherworldly land filled with bizarre topography, bubbling hot springs and hundred-foot geysers, three Montana men were dispatched to investigate.

The three men s confirmations drew even more skepticism, and another official party set out in 1870. This group of three was so stunned by what it found that it decided to forsake its right to lay claim to the land and instead lobbied Congress to establish the country s first national park.

National parks can now be found in most states even in the Virgin Islands and American Samoa. America s National Parks includes hundreds of stunning photos, illuminating Death Valley, Great Smoky Mountains, Mammoth Cave, Yosemite, Redwood and dozens more national parks and other officially designated natural wonders.

Here s just some of what you ll learn about in America s National Parks:
Badlands National Park, thought to be home to the largest bison herd in the U.S.
Congaree National Park, with the country s largest remaining old-growth bottomland hardwood forest
The stunning caves and underground formations of Carlsbad Caverns National Park
The otherworldly sand formations of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

With its compelling photos and text, America s National Parks is both a great casual read and a powerful historical document. And anyone contemplating a cross-country trip will find plenty of ideas in America s National Parks.