Includes bibliographical references and index.

"In examining the 416 units of the U.S. National Park System (NPS), geographers Joe Weber and Selima Sultana focus attention on the historical geography of the system as well as its present distribution. Their discussion covers the entire range of places under the control of the NPS-not just the famous National Parks such as the Grand Canyon and Yosemite, but also National Monuments, Memorials, Lakeshores, Seashores, Rivers, Recreation Areas, Preserves, Reserves, Parkways, Historic Sites, Historic Parks, and a range of battlefields, including National Military Park, Battlefield Park, Battlefield Site, and Battlefield, as well as more than 20 additional sites not fitting into any of these categories (such as the White House). The book discusses how these units differ from other places, such as national forests administered by the US Forest Service, wildlife refuges administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service, and wilderness areas found in all these areas designated by Congress. Towards the end the authors also broaden the scope to examine protected places at more local scales as well as internationally. The geographic view of this project sets it apart from others that have taken a solely historical approach. Where parks are located, what they are near, where their visitors come from, and how land uses and activities are organized within parks are fundamental issues discussed. Further, it examines the full range of the NPS, not just the large nature parks such as Yellowstone that often receive the greatest attention. The majority of units in the NPS are actually devoted to battlefields, historical events, archaeological sites, or people, and this is reflected in the authors' approach. While each unit is unique, they share the common imprint of NPS management, and many were developed during periods when particular management philosophies were dominant. The book also emphasizes changing social and political environments in which NPS units were created and the roles they serve, such as protecting scenery, providing wildlife habitats, preserving history, and serving as scientific laboratories and places for outdoor recreation. What we think of as a national park has changed over the years and will continue to change. The authors also focus on parks as public facilities and sites of economic activities. These park units were created by people for people to enjoy, at great cost and with great benefit. They cannot be understood without taking this human context into account"--,Provided by publisher.