In 1936, Joshua Tree National Monument was created as a biological and cultural reserve, bringing new communities to the area. National Park Service buildings, campgrounds and employees were the most obvious change. Park staff were tasked with scientifically managing the area, protecting resources, and providing recreational and educational opportunities to the public.
A decade after Joshua Tree’s establishment, the United States entered WWII and the small staff came and went as the war effort pulled them away. The military envisioned the open desert as the perfect training ground and the park got new neighbors with General Patton’s tank encampments and maneuver training areas on the east and south park boundaries. The expansive Desert Training Center joined the military glider school (now the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center) just to the north ensuring that Joshua Tree played a part in war preparation activities.
Today, Joshua Tree has become a busy world-famous climbing destination, with over three million visitors who come to the park to hike, camp, climb and sightsee.
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Joshua Tree RangersJoshua Tree National Park, JOTR 20575 #341
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Ranger giving program to studentsNational Park Service photograph
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M-1917 "Doughboy" HelmetJoshua Tree National Park, JOTR 11653
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Army Convoy, Pinto BasinJoshua Tree National Park, JOTR 20575 #682
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Desert Training CenterU.S. Army Photograph
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Desert Training Center mapNational Park Service
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PitonJoshua Tree National Park, JOTR 32052
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Climber at Dairy Queen WallNational Park Service Photograph
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Modern climbing equipmentNational Park Service Photograph
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John Davis on 1st ascent of The Wedge, 1Courtesy of Rod Smith
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National Park Service Women's UniformJoshua Tree National Park, JOTR 12928, 16936, 12139
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Susan Luckie ReillyJoshua Tree National Park, JOTR 20575 #1011
Last updated: August 7, 2023