From its establishment, The National Park Service (NPS) has symbolized the preservation of America’s natural and cultural treasures. However, its visual identity has evolved over time to better reflect its mission and values. Until 1952, the NPS was represented by a logo featuring a giant sequoia cone. While this symbol held significance, many NPS employees felt it didn’t fully capture the essence of the agency.
In response to this sentiment, a contest was held to design a new logo. The winning design, however, was deemed too “modern” by the NPS leadership, who were searching for a symbol that resonated more deeply with the organization’s values. The search for a fitting emblem continued into 1951, when a rough sketch submitted by NPS historian Aubrey Neasham came into consideration. This sketch would ultimately be adapted into the first official NPS logo in 1952, a design that has endured with only minor changes to this day.
The components of the current NPS logo are rich in symbolism. Within the logo, a buffalo and a giant sequoia tree represent the flora and fauna protected by the NPS. The mountains and water signify the scenic and recreational values the Park Service upholds. The shape of the logo itself, an arrowhead, embodies the history and archaeology that the NPS is dedicated to preserving.
This thoughtfully crafted logo has come to encapsulate the multifaceted mission of the NPS: protecting natural landscapes, preserving wildlife, and safeguarding historical and archaeological sites. As the Park Service continues to evolve, its emblem remains a steadfast reminder of the values and responsibilities that have defined the agency for over a century.