National Park Service National Mall and Memorial Parks U.S. Department of the Interior Newspaper • FREE National Mall October 2010 • Volume 3, Issue 10 and Memorial Parks
Daily Interpretive Programs The Washington Monument’s Inner Jewels By Ranger Miriam Hornstein 18 inches in depth. But the variety professional, fraternal and of sizes and shapes of stones within community organizations, cities “Virginia who gave the completed monument can attest and towns, individuals and foreign Washington to America gives this that very few groups followed those countries arrived at the building granite for his Monument.” These directions. site for the Washington Monument, words, inscribed in the native The one instruction that brought there by rail, ship and stone, reflect the pride with which was generally followed was that ox teams. As each stone arrived, Virginia presented the Washington the stone was to be made out of it was unpacked, cataloged and Monument Society an ornament a material native to the state in stored in various sheds until 1853 for the interior of the monument to question. Alabama, who led the when a lapidarium was built. This Join National Park Service rangers George Washington. charge by donating the first stone long one-story building was used to learn more about the meaning, in 1850, gave a block of pure white for the storage and display of the symbolism and significance of the marble inscribed with not only the commemorative stones until they park’s many memorials. No prior name of the state, but also the words were placed in the interior walls sign-up is required and all programs “A Union of Equality as adjusted by of the monument. There were are free. Program length varies. the Constitution.” seven stone blocks presented to the Contact a ranger at each memorial for Monument Society that weren’t more information. even carved. They were transported Programs are offered at the following to Washington D.C. and delivered memorials… with instructions on how they were to be properly engraved, which was • World War II Memorial done at the lapidarium. • Lincoln Memorial • Thomas Jefferson Memorial The Virginia Stone • Vietnam Veterans Memorial • Korean War Veterans Memorial • Franklin Delano Roosevelt Starting in 1848 the Memorial Washington Monument Society had undertaken the task of Scheduled programs are presented on finally building a fitting tribute to The Alabama Stone the hour from: America’s first president, but found 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. that the flow of public support, in the form of funding, had slowed The society quickly figured out that **Additional programs on request. to a trickle. A fundraising scheme if it wished to actually make any was devised that would also allow money off this project, it would need The Lapidarium (foreground) stored & Contents “the states of the union to be to expand the scope of the groups for possible donations and soon displayed stones before installation in properly represented” if they were the Washington Monument so minded. Along with monetary enough the stones came pouring in. Page 2, 3, 4... Calendar of Events However the money did not. Very Page 4...... National Mall: Now & Then donations, they could present the Page 5...... Ranger Article from page 1 Washington Monument Society few of the stones were accompanied Some of the stones spent many years Eastern National with special engraved stones that by cash donations. Most groups there. Only 92 of them had been Bookstores, Park celebrated not only Washington’s felt that the gift of the stone was placed inside the monument by the Concessionaires enough to help honor the memory time construction ground to a halt Page 6...... Ranger Article many accomplishments, but How to Visit the also indicated their own pride of George Washington and getting in 1854 due to a political struggle Washington Monument in their home state. The society their name installed in the interior and the subsequent lack of funding. Cell Phone Tours conveniently provided instructions of the monument for all time was an Despite what most people Page 7...... Kids’ Column as to the size of the stones: 4 feet important motivation as well. think, this struggle did not involve Page 8...... Superintendent’s Stones from Indian tribes, the issues that would soon tear Message, Old Post Office long by 2 feet high and only 12 to Tower, Potomac Nature Packs, NPS Organic Act, Hornstein Continued on page 5 NEW Lincoln Memorial Webpage National Mall Highlights Inside and Memorial Parks 900 Ohio Drive, SW Washington, DC 20024 This newspaper is also Wildland Celebrate Park Headquarters: 202-485-9880 available online. Visitor Information: 202-233-3520 Visit www.nps.gov/nama Firefighting Columbus Day Park Websites: www.nps.gov/nama www.nps.gov/mall and click on NEWS. PAGE 6 PAGE 7 6 7 National Mall Plan Website: Editor In Chief: Lee Vogtman www.nps.gov/nationalmallplan Editors: Brad Berger, Ruth Epstein & Mike Leard Radio: 1670 AM
October 2010, Volume 3 Issue 10 National Mall Times 1 Don’t Forget... Daily ranger programs presented at the memorials every hour from October 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 8 a.m. 1 p.m. 6 p.m.
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 p.m. 10 a.m. 3 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 8 a.m. 6 p.m. 1 p.m. 11 a.m. 5 p.m. 1 p.m. 6 p.m. 1 p.m. 6 p.m.
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 8 a.m. 1 p.m. 6 p.m. 1 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 10 a.m. 1 p.m. 11 a.m. 3&6 p.m. 8 p.m. 1 p.m. 6 p.m. 1 p.m. 6 p.m. 5 p.m. 7 p.m.
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 6 p.m. 10 a.m. 8 a.m. 2:30 p.m. 12 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 2 p.m. 3 p.m. 6 p.m. 7 p.m.
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 8 a.m. 1&3 p.m. 6 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 10 a.m. 1 p.m. 11 a.m. 6 p.m. 8 p.m. 6 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 31 1 p.m. 6 p.m.
Saturday, October 9 Memorials. Meet at the Washington Saturday, October 16 Programs Argh!! The Barbary Pirates & Monument. Contact Susan Philpott New Guinea: Operation Cartwheel the Second U.S. Navy at 202-233-3520. 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday, October 3, 10, 17 Wednesday, October 13 The attack and capture of the coast Victims of Communism Mediterranean pirates threatened Friday, October 15 of New Guinea was one segment of 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. American merchant shipping after Lincoln’s Motivation – Operation Cartwheel during General the Revolution. Would America con- Stephen Douglas MacArthur’s campaign on the road Join a park ranger at the Victims of tinue to pay ransoms or go to war? 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. to recapture the Philippine islands. Communism Memorial on Sunday Learn about the heroic actions of New Guinea is engraved in the WWII October 3, 10, and 17 at 6 p.m. The Bainbridge, Eaton, Decatur and oth- Abraham Lincoln was a former con- Memorial; why then is the story not topic will be the rise and fall of Com- ers in building the second U.S. Navy. gressman and prosperous Illinois at- well known? Meet at the World War munism. The memorial is at the inter- Meet at Constitution Gardens at torney in 1854. Then the actions of II Memorial. Contact Paul O’Brian at section of Massachusetts and New Signer’s Island. Contact Marsha Bar- Senator Stephen Douglas caused him 202-438-7066. Jersey avenues. Contact Michael Balis rett at 202-233-3520. to re-enter politics. Come hear how at 202-438-9710. Abe Lincoln passed Stephen Douglas Tuesday, October 19 Sunday, October 10 on the way to the White House. Meet A World Turned Upside Down Tuesday, October 5 Above and Beyond at the Lincoln Memorial. Contact 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. The Election of 1864 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. David Rappel at 202-359-1533. 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. The month of October in the Ameri- The Medal of Honor is our nation’s The re-election of President Lincoln highest award for valor. Throughout was not a sure thing. It took the mili- history only 3,446 Americans have tary successes of Generals Sherman received this distinction. Hear some and Grant for Lincoln to get re-elect- of the courageous stories about His- ed. Why was this the case? Come and panic Medal of Honor recipients who learn more about the election of 1864. served in Korea. Meet at the Korean Meet at the Lincoln Memorial. Con- Veterans War Memorial. Contact Ce- tact Paul O’Brian at 202-438-7066. celia Vitale-Reddy at 202-233-3520.
Wednesday, October 6 Monday, October 11 Above and Beyond Wednesday, October 27 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. Whispers of the Ancients: Memorial Design The Medal of Honor is our nation’s 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. & 8 p.m. – 9 p.m. highest award for valor. Throughout history only 3,446 Americans have re- Why does the Washington Monu- ceived this distinction. Hear some of ment look like a big pencil? What the courageous stories about Medal kind of chair is Lincoln sitting in? Is of Honor recipients who served in there a hole in the dome of the Jef- Vietnam. Meet at the Vietnam Vet- ferson Memorial? Come and learn The Lincoln Memorial erans War Memorial. Contact Laura about the Egyptian, Greek, and Ro- Abbott at 202-233-3520. man symbols hidden in your favorite 2 National Mall Times can Revolution featured two key vic- at the World War II Memorial. Con- tories by American troops over the tact Paul O’Brian at 202-438-7066. British. Join our rangers to talk about the impacts of battles like Saratoga Sunday, October 24 and Yorktown on the anniversary Above and Beyond of General Cornwallis’s surrender. 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. Meet at the Washington Monument. Contact Michael DiPaolo at 202-426- The Medal of Honor is our nation’s 6841. highest award for valor. Only 3,446 Americans have received this distinc- Wednesday, October 20 tion. Hear some of the courageous Above and Beyond stories about Hispanic Medal of 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. Honor recipients who served in Ko- rea. Meet at the Korean Veterans War The Medal of Honor is our nation’s Memorial. Contact Cecelia Vitale- highest award for valor. Throughout Reddy at 202-233-3520. history only 3,446 Americans have re- ceived this distinction. Hear some of Saturday, October 30 the courageous stories about Medal Grant and Lee of Honor recipients who served in 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. Vietnam. Meet at the Vietnam Vet- erans War Memorial. Contact Laura Generals Grant and Lee achieved Abbott at 202-233-3520. great fame during the Civil War. They met once during the Mexican War in Visitors learning about John Paul Jones on their Bike Tour Thursday, October 21 1847 and then again in 1865 at Ap- The Battle for Moscow pomattox Court House, Virginia, but 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. their paths were vastly different. Why? Meet at the Lincoln Memorial. Con- Saturday, October 9 Sunday, October 17 The Battle for Moscow began in Oc- tact Paul O’Brian at 202-438-7066. History of the Mall Family Bike Tour: The hunt is on! tober, 1941. The weather along the 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. The search for symbols on the stubborn Soviet defenses stopped National Mall Hitler’s attempt to take the city. Why From George Washington’s original 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. was Moscow so important to Hit- Bike Tours vision to the District of Columbia ler and Stalin? How close were the of today, how has this span of green Have you ever thought there might be Germans to taking the city? Meet at Saturday, Oct 2 space in the heart of the nation’s capi- something hidden inside the monu- the World War II Memorial. Contact Off the Beaten Path tal been altered over time? Come see ments and memorials on the National Paul O’Brian at 202-438-7066. 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. how The National Mall has evolved Mall? If so, you’re right! There are into what you experience today. symbols, some in plain view, others In a city full of colossal and iconic Meet at the Thomas Jefferson Memo- hidden, which are clues about the memorials to great men and even rial. Contact George McHugh at 240- person or event being memorialized. 375-5904. These clues help us better understand the structure’s meaning; you just need Sunday, October 10 to know where and what to look for. Bicycles, Birds and Trees…Oh, My! Meet at the Thomas Jefferson Memo- 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. rial. Contact Janet Buerger at 202- 497-1397 to make reservations. Join park rangers for a bicycle ride around East Potomac Park. Discover Saturday, October 23 many interesting and fascinating trees Off the Beaten Path and birds along the way. Meet at the 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Con- tact New Thanyachareon at 202-438- In a city full of colossal and iconic 4098. memorials to great men and even greater deeds, these statues, urns, and Saturday, October 16 symbolic gestures of friendship and Trees of the Mall remembrance can be found all over 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. D.C., yet their stories have gone large- ly untold until now! Contact Kathy Learn about the people who envi- Kagle at 202-438-5377. World War II Memorial sioned the Park as the core of the Federal City with an international Sunday, October 24 collection of trees, and visit some of The Dramatic History of D.C. Saturday, October 23 greater deeds, these statues, urns its highlights. Meet at the Thomas 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. The Battle of Leyte Gulf and symbolic gestures of friendship Jefferson Memorial. Contact Jan 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. and remembrance can be found all Buerger at 202-497-1397. Washington, D.C. has a history un- over DC, yet their stories have gone like any other city in the world. On When General MacArthur landed on largely untold until now. Contact Sunday, October 17 this tour we will we stopping by some Leyte Island, he and Admirals Kinkaid Kathy Kagle at 202-438-5377. “Affairs of Honor:” – familiar landmarks where legends and Halsey were not prepared for a American Duels will be explored and myths dispelled. Japanese naval assault. Learn about Sunday, October 3 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Meet at the Thomas Jefferson Me- the efforts of so many who faced the The Cherry Tree Rebellion morial. Contact Heidi Dietze at 202- largest naval battle in history. Meet at 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. In the 18th century, gentlemen of 438-7033. the World War II Memorial. Contact power and politics would duel to Marsha Barrett at 202-233-3520. Join the park ranger to learn about defend their honor and their good Saturday, October 30 the “Cherry Tree Rebellion.” This names. President Andrew Jackson Off the Beaten Path Saturday, October 23 rebellion was a last-ditch attempt to found “justice” and “satisfaction” on 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. The Air War in Europe spare the Japanese cherry trees along the dueling grounds. Stephen Deca- 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. the Tidal Basin in order to build the tur, a naval hero, was mortally wound- In a city full of colossal and iconic Thomas Jefferson Memorial. This ed in a duel. The Burr and Hamilton memorials to great men and even The air war in Europe was one of the three-hour bike tour separates fact duel, perhaps history’s most famous, greater deeds, these statues, urns, and most important campaigns fought from fiction as we explore local is itself an incredible and tragic story. symbolic gestures of friendship and during WWII. The Americans and sites associated with this fight which Join this tour focusing on the violent remembrance can be found all over British were bombing German targets gripped Washington, D.C. in the fall lives and deaths of famous men and D.C., yet their stories have gone large- throughout Europe between 1942 of 1938. Contact Eric Pominville at their duels. Contact Brad Berger at ly untold until now! Contact Kathy and 1945. Why is the campaign men- 202-359-7040. 202-438-4173. Kagle at 202-438-5377. tioned in the WWII Memorial? Meet
National Mall Times 3 Sunday, October 31 Thursday, October 7 Please provide your own water. Meet Unexplored Tales of the City The Trees of Constitution Gardens at the Washington Monument. Con- 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. tact Susan Martin at 202-437-1888.
Stories, myths and legends abound Join a park ranger for a moderate Sunday, Oct. 24 surrounding famous events and in- stroll through Constitution Gar- Chit-Chat Run - famous personalities. What is not dens, created in 1976 to celebrate The Summer of ‘63 so widely known is how they are the American Bicentennial. The area 8 a.m. connected to Washington, D.C. Join was originally in the Potomac River park rangers for a tour that will help (“Potomac Flats”) and then head- Run through fractured America in explain how these mysterious events, quarters for the U.S. Army and Navy. July, 1863 as we explore three battles and the people involved, are linked Meet at Vietnam Veterans Memorial that forever changed the course of to the nation’s capital. Material may kiosk. Contact Harry Gedney at 202- the Civil War and the future of this not be suitable for children on this 438-9640. nation. The run is approximately 3.5 Unexplored Tales tour. Meet at the miles. Please bring your own water. Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Con- Thursday, October 14 & 28 Meet at the Washington Monument. tact Heidi Dietze at 202-438-7033. Tuesday, October 19 Contact Susan Martin at 202-437- An Evening with a Ranger 1888. 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Walking Tours Spend an evening with a ranger and The National Mall from the tour the mall as you learn more about Washington Monument Friday, October 1,15, 22, 29 its history, monuments and memo- to the Lincoln Memorial Wednesday, October 6 rials. Bring water and a flashlight. A Day with a Ranger Meet at the Thomas Jefferson Me- 10 a.m. - mid afternoon morial. Contact Kathy Kagle at 202- Now.... 438-5377. Spend the day with your very own park ranger and learn about the his- Sunday, October 17 & 24 tory and architecture of the National Evening Lantern Walk Mall from A to Z. The tour ends 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. on the grounds of the Washington Monument (entrance not included). Discover the history and nature of the Bring comfortable shoes and water. National Mall! Come join park rang- Meet at the Thomas Jefferson Me- ers to explore the memorials and en- morial Statue. Contact Brad Berger joy the evening glow. Family friendly! at 202-438-4173. Please wear comfortable shoes, bring water and a small flashlight. Meet at Saturday, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 the Washington Monument Lodge. Vive la Revolucion: Contact Donald Stanko at 240-375- South America’s War for Freedom 4857. 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Have you ever wondered why some Running Tours of Latin America’s greatest leaders have statues in the heart of the na- tion’s capital? Join us for a guided Saturday, Oct. 9 tour of the memorials to the heroes Chit-Chat Run: that helped liberate Latin America Meet the Presidents from Spain. Meet at the Foggy Bot- 8 a.m.-9 a.m. tom Metro Station. Contact Michael Balis at 202-438-9710. The three presidential memorials on the National Mall are recognized as Saturday, October 2 national symbols. The run will cover Sunday, October 10, 24, 31 about 3 miles with interpretive stops Holocaust: at the Jefferson Memorial, the FDR ...and Then! Remembrance and Repetition? Memorial, and the Lincoln Memo- 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. rial. Please bring your own water. Meet at the Washington Monument. The year 1945 marked the end of Contact Susan Martin at 202-437- World War II and its death camps. 1888. Or was it only a pause in time before that industry of death resurfaced? Sunday, Oct. 10 We will discuss these matters at this Chit-Chat Run - memorial and sites nearby. Warning: Women at the Mall content and photos are graphic. Meet 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. at the World War II Memorial. Con- tact Lowell Fry at 202-438-9603. Join a park ranger to stretch your morning legs and learn about the Wednesday, October 6 often overlooked women who are Friday, October 8, 15 memorialized on the National Mall. A Walk In The Park The run is approximately 3.5 miles. 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Please bring your own water. Meet at the Washington Monument. Con- Join a park ranger for a walking tour tact Susan Martin at 202-437-1888. that will highlight large and small me- morials alike along a one-mile route. Saturday, Oct. 23 The tour begins at Survey Lodge Chit-Chat Run-D.C. History Dash Ranger Station on the southwest 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. grounds of the Washington Monu- ment and ends at the Lincoln Memo- Stretch your muscles and exercise rial. Meet at the Survey Lodge Rang- your mind! Join a park ranger for a er Station. Contact Victor Pillow at morning run and learn about several 202-841-1774. of Washington D.C.’s scenic sites and lesser known attractions. The route will cover approximately 3.8 miles.
4 National Mall Times The Washington Monument’s Inner Jewels Hornstein from page 1 the country apart in civil war. could progress no further. to 1855 period. In 1911, however, the Tunisian consul, it is one of the Instead, it resulted from the rise of It would take the centennial the Washington Monument few stones given by an individual. the anti-immigrant, anti-Catholic celebration of American Society (which exists to this day) In 1880 it was listed in the inventory society nicknamed the “Know- independence on July 4, 1876 to sent letters to the western states of stones in the lapidarium, but for Nothings.” The Know-Nothings shame the country’s leaders into that were not yet represented in some reason, it was never installed were infuriated by the donation authorizing the U.S. Army Corps the monument. Those states had in the walls of the monument and of so many foreign stones to the of Engineers to complete the not gained either statehood or assumed lost. Amazingly, almost Washington Monument and the monument. The first task was to territorial status during the first 80 years later it was found in a dark final straw came when a stone from complete the outside walls. Once period of construction. Nine states stairwell corner when workmen the ancient Temple of Concord in that was done and the monument submitted their stones for inclusion were installing a new elevator system Rome was given to the society from properly dedicated in February in 1913, adding Hawaii’s territorial in the Washington Monument. Pope Pius IX. of 1885, it was time to move the stone in 1935. Alaska’s state stone At that point, it was placed Seizing on the gift as proof “presentation blocks” from the was fitted in place in 1982, though on display at the 500-foot level of interference from un-American lapidarium where they’d been stored it was not the last stone installed in for the public to view. Finally in influences, the Know-Nothings for over two decades and properly the monument. That honor belongs February of 2000, it was installed at raided the Washington Monument place them inside the monument. to the Carthage stone. the 380-foot level of the monument, grounds and stole the “Pope stone” By September of that same year, 53 taking its place among the from the lapidarium on the night of more stones had been added to the other commemorative March 6, 1854. It was supposedly interior of the monument and then stones honoring George destroyed using sledgehammers, by February of 1887, another 11 Washington, nearly 150 years but stories persist of pieces having had been installed. One reason for after it first arrived in America. been tossed into the Potomac this slow pace was the need to trim Sadly the commemorative River or smuggled out during the the depth of some of the stones to stones became the target of attack and passed down through a more uniform 12 to 18 inches – as souvenir hunters from the the generations to resurface at later the Washington Monument Society very first day that visitation to times. Unfortunately, no pictures had originally asked for, as well the monument was permitted. or colored drawings exist of the as the time it took to carve out a Very rapidly, vandalism original Pope stone or pieces of properly sized niche for the stone. It became a pervasive problem the Temple of Concord from would take years before the process in the administration of whence it came, leaving no means of inserting commemorative stones the monument. That, plus The Carthage Stone of comparing the alleged remains into the interior of the Washington other safety factors, has caused the against historical facts. Monument would be complete. National Park Service to limit access The public outcry against the After the monument opened up The Carthage stone has a mysterious to the commemorative stones, but if blatant theft of one of the donated to public visitation in 1888, new story behind it. It is made of marble you’d like to take a closer look, visit stones halted any further donations stones were still arriving, and were taken from the ruins of the ancient the website at www.nps.gov/wamo or appropriations of money for usually unveiled and installed with north African city of Carthage and and click on the links to look even finishing the monument. Even great fanfare. in 1855 was shipped from Tunis to further in depth into the stories and when an advertised $100 reward Of the total 193 the United States for inclusion in the mysteries of the inner jewels of the could not bring the culprits to light, commemorative stones inside the Washington Monument. As a gift Washington Monument. the Washington Monument Society monument, most are from the 1849 from Dr. David P. Heap, the son of Eastern National Bookstores Park Concessionaires Guest Services, Inc. manages all retail operations for National Mall and Memorial Parks. This includes refreshment kiosks and gift stores throughout the park. They also operate the following recreational opportunities...
Tidal Basin Paddle Boats 202-479-2426 www.tidalbasinpaddleboats.com National Mall and Memorial Parks is a very inspiring and powerful place, but your experience does not have to end in Washington, D.C. East Potomac Tennis Center Continue learning more about park sites and American history by 202-554-5962 visiting the many Eastern National bookstores throughout the park. www.eastpotomactennis.com Capture the moment, take home a book, and explore the ideas and values that make visiting National Mall and Memorial Parks such a stirring experience. Eastern National, a park partner, operates four Tourmobile bookstores located at: Sightseeing provides live, narrated shuttle Washington Monument Lodge tours with hop on/ 8:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. hop off service. You choose where to stop, Lincoln Memorial stay as long as you 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. want, then reboard and ride to another historic Thomas Jefferson Memorial location. Purchase 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. your tickets directly from the driver at any tour stop or any seasonal ticket booth. Franklin Delano Adults: $27.00 Roosevelt Memorial Children 3-11: $13.00 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Washington Monument Lodge 202-554-5100 www.tourmobile.com www.easternnational.org National Mall Times 5 Wildland Firefighting and the National Park Service - A Brief History and Timeline
By Ranger Steve Price a half ax, half pick invented by Ed time,the Fire Weather Warning Pulaski in 1911, and still used by Service was established by the U.S. The National Park Service firefighters today. Weather Bureau in San Francisco. is steward to over 84 million Pulaski became famous It worked in conjunction with the acres of land in 392 park units. during the Great Fire of 1910 U.S. Forest Service to create a far- At least 50 million of these acres which destroyed over 3 million reaching and carefully organized have burnable vegetation and acres in Washington, Idaho and fire warning service. many of this country’s most Montana. He was credited with As early as the 1930s spectacular,but destructive fires saving 40 of his 45-man crew by “smokejumping” was first have taken place within our leading them into an abandoned proposed by T.V. Pearson, a national parks. mine. U.S.F.S. forester, as a means to
Yellowstone Fire 1988
As a result, the National Park Service developed a fire managment plan designed to work in tandem with other agencies to protect the future of our national parks. Fighting wildland fires in our national parks can be traced back to our first national park, Yellowstone, located in Wyoming, The Great Fire of 1910 How to Visit Montana and Idaho. However, it wasn’t park rangers who first battled fires, but the United In 1914 Hallie M. Daggett became quickly provide initial attack on the Washington States Cavalry. On Aug. 20, 1886, the first woman employed by the fires. Since then, aircraft have Captain Moses Harris of Troop U.S. Forest Service as a lookout. become an integral part of forest Monument M, 1st U.S. Cavalry assumed She worked in this position at firefighting. In 1935 tests began on command of Yellowstone Klamath National Forest for using aircraft to drop retardant on National Park and within days of the next 14 years. In 1915 the fires and in 1947 the first official California National Forest, (now aircraft to enter this service ashington Monument admission Mendocino National Forest) was a converted B-29 bomber Wis free, but does require a ticket hired the first female firefighters, christened Rocky Mountain for everyone over the age of two. Open dai- Mrs. Durham, (wife of a ranger) Ranger. ly except July 4 and December 25. and Ms. Kloppenberg. About this time in the 20th Timed entry tickets are required and century, wildland fire research took hold in an attempt to better may be obtained in two ways: understand fire behavior and in 1919 the U.S. Forest Service 1. The Washington Monument Lodge, lo- produced “A Policy of Forestry cated along 15th Street, opens at 8:30 U.S. Cavalry arrives at for the Nation.” This included a.m. for distribution of free, same day, Yellowstone Park objectives like using fire in timed tickets on a first come, first served “controlled burning” situations basis. One person may pick up as many arriving, he and his men began to promote natural growth and The Presentation Ceremony of the as six tickets as well as select their pre- fighting fires throughout the park. reproduction in the parks. B-29 Bomber, Rocky Mountain Ranger ferred ticket time from what remains Consequently, the U.S. available for that operating day. Army began producing regulations 2. Reserved tickets may be obtained in ad- for park visitors which included In the latter part of the 20th indicated areas for camping and century emphasis was placed vance by visiting www.recreation.gov or restrictions on building camp on developing an organized by calling 1-877-444-6777 (for individu- fires. This led to the system of command center for incidents. als) or 1-877-559-6777 (for large groups). designated campgrounds now Together with multiagency Reserved tickets are often booked 30 common on public lands. cooperation, and all that was days or more ahead of time. Please plan In 1902 the first firewatch learned in the past, forest accordingly. All reserved tickets carry a towers were built in our parks firefighters today are much better $1.50 convenience charge. as a preventive measure against trained and prepared to fight fires fires. Specific tools also began than their predecessors in the U.S. Summer Hours: 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. appearing such as the “Pulaski,” Cavalry so long ago. Monday, May 31 - Monday, September 6 Today the National Park Service fire management Rest of Year: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. program has a staff of over 800, and maintains a large inventory National Park Service Firefighters of equipment placed strategically Initiating a Controlled Burn throughout the U.S. in order to National Mall and Memorial Parks provide quick support should Cell Phone Tours In 1923 the U.S. Forest Service they be needed. published a paper demonstrating for the first time that low relative Lincoln Memorial: 202-747-3420 humidity (below 35 percent) also First Amendment: 202-595-0085 had a large impact on hazardous Cherry Blossom Festival: 202-747-3465 The Pulaski Fire Tool fire potential. At the same 6 National Mall Times i s’ K d Col um n
Celebrate Columbus Day Explore the National Mall! Did you know this site is part of the National Mall and Memorial Parks? Take time this fall to explore this statue!
Celebrate Columbus Day with a trip to the Columbus Memorial in front of Union Station.
See if you can find these items:
--the bow of a ship
--the globe
--the lions
--the king and queen who paid for Columbus’s trip
--the eagles
Christopher Columbus Fountain Break the code to find out what the Native American and the older man represent. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
A C D E F G I L N O R S T W
The Native American represents the
______facing ______Can you solve this month’s 9 4 14 14 10 11 8 3 14 4 12 13 ? Mall Mystery? The older man represents the What do the three flags at the ? Columbus Memorial represent? Go to the Survey Lodge Ranger Station with ______facing ______?the correct answer to receive your prize! 10 8 3 14 10 11 8 3 4 1 12 13
National Mall Times 7 Message from the “Monuments, and reservations, which Old Post OfficeT ower Superintendent purpose is to conserve the scenery and the he Old Post Office, built natural and historic objects and the wildlife Tbetween 1892 and 1899, is therein and to provide for the enjoyment home to the Bells of Congress, ctober is a of the same in such manner and by such which were a gift from England great time to O means as will leave them unimpaired for the on our nation’s Bicentennial. experience your enjoyment of future generations.” From the observation deck, national park. located 270 feet above the Our ranger staff National Park Service Organic Act street level, the visitor can get a presents interpretive spectacular view of our nation’s p r o g r a m s August 25, 1916 capital. throughout the park including park-wide Operating Hours walking tours and
shorter detailed Potomac Nature Packs Summer: Memorial Day programs of each Birds, Bugs and Trees, OH MY! through Labor Day memorial. To learn more iscover the wild side of the National Mall Monday through Saturday about the future of with nature packs designed to engage the D 9 a.m. - 7:45 p.m. the National Mall, entire family. Each pack is filled with a sketch Sunday and Holidays visit the National pad, binoculars, books, park brochures, maps Pennsylvania Avenue. Call 202- 10 a.m. - 5:45 p.m. Mall Plan website, and activities for the whole family. These self- 606-8691 for more information. www.nps.gov/ guided nature packs allow the whole family to Winter: Labor Day through nationalmallplan put on their eagle eyes and explore the unbe- For Whom the Bell Tolls: The Memorial Day to read current leaf-able sights and sounds of the National Washington Ringing Society a l t e r n a t i v e s , Mall! and the Bells of Congress Monday through Saturday express ideas, and Packs are available at the Survey Lodge 9 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. follow our progress. Ranger Station near the southwest corner of First Thursday of every month Sunday and Holidays Page through the Washington Monument grounds. Packs 6:45 p.m. 10 a.m. - 5:45 p.m. this newspaper are available on a first come, first served basis, to find out more and require an adult’s drivers license. One The art of change ringing Ranger Programs: Twenty for about the many pack per family. Call 202-426-6841 for more goes back to the Middle Ages the Tower on the Half-Hour fascinating ranger information. and you can experience it first programs offered hand at the Old Post Office Daily at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., throughout the Tower. To learn more about the 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 park. Our park systematic ringing of the Bells of p.m., 3:30 p.m. staff and volunteers Congress, join members of the will be glad to Washington Ringing Society the The Old Post Office Tower answer any of your first Thursday of each month for always has time for you. Do you questions. Thanks a full explanation of the Bells of have 20 minutes for the tower? for visiting, and Congress, why they are here and Join a National Park Service have a wonderful how they work. The program ranger to learn what connects experience at will be followed by their weekly Ben Franklin to this fascinating National Mall and practice session. Call 202-606- piece of iconic architecture Memorial Parks. 8691 for more information. on Pennsylvania Avenue - America’s ‘Main Street.’ Meet Superintendent www.nps.gov/opot at the Ben Franklin statue along John Piltzecker
for some much needed time to relax. Farewell Ranger Mosso! Dennis is well known for his color mural on the wall of the local This month the entire staff at ranger lodge depicting the World War National Mall and Memorial Parks II Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial bids a fond farewell to Dennis Mosso, in the distance. Here we see Dennis at who will be leaving the ranks of his the World War II Memorial and his fellow rangers and heading home to own version of the Vietnam Veterans the Johnstown, Pennsylvania region Memorial. Take care, Dennis!
Be sure to visit the updated Lincoln Memorial web site! http://www.nps.gov/linc
ighlights include a new Lincoln HMemorial Construction Flipbook and an Interactive Site. The flipbook utilizes historic photographs to tell the story of the memorial construction from inception to completion. You can experience a virtual walk-through of the memorial, and listen to ranger reflections of the memorial and its history on the Interactive Site.
8 National Mall Times