Episode 25 - TR's National Park Series with Valerie Naylor, part 2 Southwest


The second episode of the TR’s National Park series features a discussion with retired Park Superintendent Valerie Naylor. The episode explores the establishment and significance of various Southwestern parks, particularly those in Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. Valerie provides insights into the cultural and historical importance of these parks, many of which house ancient native sites and artifacts. Theodore Roosevelt's role in creating national monuments to protect these antiquities through the Antiquities Act is highlighted. Key parks discussed include Mesa Verde National Park, Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Montezuma Castle, Petrified Forest National Park, El Morro, Tonto National Monument, and Tumacácori National Historical Park. The show also looks at Roosevelt’s vision for the Grand Canyon and his efforts to preserve it against exploitation. The episode concludes with Valerie’s personal experiences visiting these parks and her work with the Theodore Roosevelt Center.
Read Valerie Naylor's "National Park Vagabond" blogs (Southwestern parks) at the Theodore Roosevelt Center
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Tumacacori National Monument (Historical Park)
Petrified Forest National Monument (Park)
Read Char Miller's Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal (Vol 27, no 2) article here: "Landmark decision: The Antiquities Act, big-stick conservation, and the modern state."
Read Francis McManamon's Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal (Vol 32, no 3) article here: "Theodore Roosevelt and the Antiquities Act of 1906: Timely action and an enduring legacy."
Read TR's "Leave it as it is" remarks here: TR's remarks at the Grand Canyon, 6 May 1903
View film footage of TR at the Roosevelt Dam dedication in the TR Center digital library: Theodore Roosevelt speaking at the dedication of Roosevelt Dam, 18 March 1911