The National Park System of the United States is administered by the
National Park Service, a bureau of the Department of the Interior.
Started with the establishment of Yellowstone National Park on March 1,
1872, the system includes not only the most extraordinary and
spectacular scenic exhibits in the United States, but also a large
number of sites distinguished for their historic or prehistoric
importance, scientific interest, or superior recreational assets. The
National Park System is made up of 388 areas covering more than 84
million acres in every state except Delaware. It also includes areas in
the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the
Virgin Islands. A list of the areas follows, excluding those without
“national” status. See also the excellent website of the Park Service:
www.nps.gov.
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