After World War Two

Preservation and Visitor Services

Visitation increased, leading to the first park ranger house in 1950. That year, 17,700 visitors prompted the expansion of the old parking lot. Funding came for stabilizing the Lower Dwelling. Led by archaeologist Lloyd Pierson, with evidence of his work still visible. This resulted in Interpretive signs being installed. These got placed along trails, attracting thousands of visitors.

In 1951, a concrete water tank was built in Cave Canyon to store water from the nearby spring. Water lines were laid to the visitor use area and down the canyon where ranger housing would soon be built. The days of rangers sleeping in tents and visitors using outhouses were over.

By 1960, Phoenix's population was 438,000. Major highway projects in Arizona opened up the countryside. Route 66 brought people west by the millions. Visitation at the cliff dwellings in 1960 was documented at 46,000.

 

Visitor Center Dedication Ceremony, Circa 1965

NPS Photo

Mission 66- National Park Service 50th Anniversary

In 1956, the park barley keept pace with growing visitation. The National Park Service developed a 10-year plan. It consisted of upgrading facilities in lots of National Park Service sites. In 1964, a new Visitor Center, Museum, and administrative functions were constructed. The construction of the Visitor Center was completed in 1965.

The project enhanced our park as a 20th-century preservation site. The new Visitor Center signaled cliff dwelling stability. Allowing the public to enjoy.

National Historic Preservation Act

In 1966, President Lyndon B Johnson signed the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). The act recognizes our importance Historically and Archaeologically. Then, our park was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

 

Aerial View of Tonto National Monument, Circa 1964

NPS Photo

Visitor Services and Resource Management

In 1970, visitation at the park exceeded 53,000 people. awaited visitors, which included displays on the archeological findings at our new facilities. In 1974, the entrance road and Lower Cliff Dwelling trail were paved.

In 1985, Martyn Tagg conducted the first systematic archaeological survey. He uncovered and determined key remains. So, he can provide a complete overview of the site's resources.

Established in 1998. The National Park Service created the Vanishing Treasures program. Conserving traditional Western U.S. architecture. Using traditional skills. Stimulate heritage in communities. The monument was one of the first to receive its funds.

 

Tonto National Monument Centennial

On December 19, 2007, Tonto National Monument celebrated its 100th Anniversary. Throughout its history, influenced by movements in reclamation, conservation, and preservation. To commemorate this history. A book, At the Confluence of Change: A History of Tonto National Monument, was written. Visitation in 2007 was at 56,174.

National Park Service Centennial

On August 25, 2016, the National Park Service celebrated its 100th Anniversary. Still to this day, they create more sites. Learn more about the Centennial.
Thanks to the foresight of President Theodore Roosevelt and many others. These ancient reminders of our nation's past are safe for many generations to come.