Capitol Reef Administrative History

As a part of the National Park Service's mission to protect and interpret its resources, it is important to make valuable historical information readily available. To further that goal, I am pleased to present this volume in our occasional series of publications on the Intermountain Region's past.

This history is the first volume of Capitol Reef National Park's administrative history. A second volume of topical chapters relating to resources issues is forthcoming. The history, written by Bradford Frye as his Master's Thesis at Eastern Washington University, recounts the circumstances surrounding development of first the monument and later the park. The comprehensive coverage of these subjects will aid present and future managers in both protecting valuable resources at Capitol Reef and at serving their public.

John E. Cook
Director
Intermountain Region

Mission: As the nation's principal conservation agency, the Department of the Interior has responsibility for most of our nationally-owned public lands and natural and cultural resources. This includes fostering wise use of our land and water resources, protecting our fish and wildlife, preserving the environmental and cultural values of our national parks and historical places, and providing for the enjoyment of life through outdoor recreation. The Department assesses our energy and mineral resources and works to assure that their development is in the best interests of all our people. The Department also promotes the goals of the Take Pride in American campaign by encouraging stewardship and citizen responsibility for the public lands and promoting citizen participation in their care. The Department also has a major responsibility for American Indian reservation communities and for people who live in Island Territories under the U.S. Administration. NPS-D-111.