90 Years of Shenandoah

We seek to pass on to our children a richer land—a stronger nation. And so, my friends, I now take great pleasure in dedicating Shenandoah National Park, dedicating it to this and succeeding generations of Americans for the recreation and for the re-creation which they shall find here.

—President Franklin D. Roosevelt, July 3, 1936

 

1936

The summer of 1936 was an exciting one for the newly established Shenandoah National Park. President Franklin D. Roosevelt announced he would make the dedication speech in July. The men of the Civilian Conservation Corps were scrambling to build the trails and landscape of Skyline Drive. The park’s first rangers arrived, and James R. Lassiter stepped into his role as the inaugural superintendent. At the same time, the Resettlement Administration set aside funds to build homes for displaced residents. As all of this unfolded, visitors streamed into the park in remarkable numbers—nearly 700,000 in 1936—setting the stage for a record-breaking one million visitors the following year, a milestone unmatched by any national park at the time.

2026

Ninety years later, the summer of 2026 is just as meaninful for Shenandoah. This year marks a celebration of nine decades of commitment, along with a renewed dedication to stewarding the park for the next 90 years and beyond. Since Franklin D. Roosevelt first dedicated Shenandoah “to this and to succeeding generations,” the idea of preservation has evolved. Today, the partnerships we build are essential—not only for protecting Shenandoah, but for supporting conservation efforts across the nation. And those “succeeding generations” Roosevelt spoke of? That’s you. Join us as we rededicate Shenandoah with you in mind and look ahead to a new generation of stewards.

 

Honoring the Past. Inspiring the Future.
This milestone honors not only the beauty of the park's landscapes but also the enduring relationship between people and place. Visitors can deepen that connection by enjoying events that bring the park's past to life—guided walks, ranger talks and special programs that share stories of the early mountain communities, conservation pioneers and the creation of Shenandoah National Park. Check the park calendar and visitor centers for special programs happening in 2026.

90 Years in 105 Miles
Historic sites, mountain traditions, and preserved natural resources are woven throughout the 105 miles that make up Skyline Drive. These stories create a rich tapestry of history that makes Skyline Drive one of America’s most memorable scenic routes, where the past and present remain closely intertwined. Explore each district below to learn more about Shenandoah's past 90 years in the Drive's 105 miles. You'll discover that some mileposts highlight a significant milestone in the park's history.

 

90 Years in 105 Miles

• 

  North District

  Miles 0 to 31

• 

  Central District

  Miles 32 to 64

• 

  South District

  Miles 65 to 105