Rock Creek Park was founded in 1890 as one of the first federal parks. Its establishing legislation, cites the area’s natural beauty and high public value. When the park was established, it was on the edge of the growing city and was already a favorite area for rural re-treat. In the establishing legislation, Rock Creek Park was ‘dedicated and set apart as a public park or pleasure ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people of the United States.” The park would "provide for the preservation from injury or spoliation of all timber, animals, or curiosities within said park, and their retention in their natural condition, as nearly as possible."
ROCK CREEK PARK, An Administrative History HTML
ROCK CREEK PARK, Prehistoric Landscapes of the Nation's Capital HTML
ROCK CREEK PARK, Historic Resource Study (1990) PDF (5.2 MB)
Archeology and History in Rock Creek Park HTML
National Park Service History
