Becoming a Monument

“The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of the most spectacular gorges of the United States. The land is available. Public sentiment seems to favor the establishment of a national reservation. The area is accessible by road. Scenically it seems to qualify for a national monument…”

Roger W. Toll, National Park Service representative, in his letter to the Director
November 1, 1932

 

Road Dedication Ceremony on the South Rim, September 1930.

Photo courtesy of Walker Art Studio

The scenic wonders of Black Canyon had been published since the late 19th century. Various expeditions noted its impressive walls, rock features, rapids, and difficult terrain. A U.S. Geological Survey hydrographer told the Montrose newspaper in 1901 that the canyon “is the grandest scenery on the continent, and that something should be done to invite tourists and sightseers to look on its wonders.”

Early Movement

During the 1920s, local citizens began talking about Black Canyon becoming a national monument. Ideas for a bridge to span the canyon were also proposed. Douglas Lytle, a rancher living between Bostwick Park and Black Canyon, was a big supporter of the monument idea. In 1928, he suggested the idea of building a road with the Montrose Lions Club. After a reconnaissance trip and discussions in 1928, the Montrose Lions Club voted to sponsor construction of the original scenic drive up to and along the South Rim. The club members worked in mid-July to begin road-clearing efforts.

In November 1929, local support of the road grew to include the board of county commissioners, city commissioners, the Montrose Rotary Club, Montrose and Delta chambers of commerce, and other organizations. In May 1930, work began on the road from Bostwick Park to the canyon rim. After reaching the rim, the road would continue another 1.5 miles (2.4 km) along the edge. The completed road was dedicated in September 1930.

 

Black Canyon of the Gunnison, c. 1930s

NPS Photo

Gaining Support

Montrose Daily Press news editor Warren Wilcox sent a letter to Congressman Ed Taylor about Black Canyon and its potential to be a monument. This letter was forward to Director Horace Albright. The Acting NPS Director suggested a map “showing reasonable accuracy of the area” be sent to figure out if there was any privately-owned land. The National Park Service (NPS) had to do an official inspection before there could be any movement towards a monument designation. Correspondence between advocates in Montrose, Congressman Taylor, and NPS leadership continued through 1930 and 1931.

In 1932, the Grand Junction Lions Club voted to support the Montrose Lions Club with their efforts, therefore increasing awareness of the idea regionally. A register was placed at the end of the automobile road up to the South Rim to gather data. A few thousand people, both domestic and international visitors, signed the register in 1930 and 1931.

During the fall of 1932, NPS representative Roger W. Toll came to visit. He sent a favorable report and recommended the creation of the national monument on both sides of the canyon. After the Montrose Lions Club disbanded in the fall of 1932, local reverend and monument supporter Mark Warner took on the challenge to push the establishment of the monument forward. Warner, representing the Montrose Chamber of Commerce, wrote to Toll about next steps. Warner prepared promotional materials, boundary and blueprint maps, and photographs of the canyon into packets to be sent to Colorado congressmen.

Director Albright tentatively approved the recommendation by Toll in December 1932. The Reclamation Service (the now Bureau of Reclamation) had no objection as long as the action “would not close for all time any further power and reclamation development.” Various local entities endorsed the monument and the road to the canyon rim became a public highway.

 

Top O' The World newspaper, March 8, 1933

Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection (CHNC), Colorado State Library

Late Developments and Proclamation

Most of the land proposed for the monument was either privately owned or former Ute lands. Discussions were had about the status of these lands; especially what compensation might be due. The NPS Director went ahead with the proclamation and transmitted it through the Indian Service and U.S. Land Office. Secretary of the Interior Ray Wilbur concluded that he could not recommend it for presidential signature, as the land discussions were not conclusive. Colorado Representative Taylor suggested legislation be introduced into Congress, authorizing both the monument’s establishment and payment per acre to the Utes. Taylor discussed this idea with leadership of the Indian Service (current Bureau of Indian Affairs). Instead, Secretary Wilbur changed his mind and transmitted the proposal for Black Canyon and expansion of Colorado National Monument to the president.

President Herbert Hoover endorsed the proclamation, therefore creating Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument on March 2, 1933. The proclamation stated “Whereas it appears that the public interest would be promoted by including the lands hereinafter described within a national monument for the preservation of the spectacular gorges and additional features of scenic, scientific, and educational interest...”

The monument's land boundaries were increased by presidential proclamations in 1938 and 1939. Boundaries were also adjusted in 1958 and 1960 due to exchanges in federally-owned and privately-owned land. These adjustments were authorized by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The monument was redesignated as a national park in 1999.