The National Park Service and the New Deal, 1933-1940

See America: WPA Posters and the Mapping of a New Deal Democracy

“…Roosevelt was, in fact, an ardent supporter of the national parks. In an attempt to promote tourism, he visited the Hawaii National Park and the Glacier National Park with his family and an entourage of reporters in 1934 (Swain 317–18). Moreover, his administration dedicated considerable funds to developing and publicizing these sites, building roads, supporting educational initiatives, and encouraging tourism through publicity campaigns like the “See America” series.…”

“…Ickes and others in the administration considered the national parks promising attractions for motivating travelers and stimulating the national economy. Roosevelt, for instance, suggested in 1938 that travel to the national parks could be considered a “barometer” of the country's economic condition (Swain 318).…”