From Wasteland to Tourist Attraction: The Creation of Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park, established in 1947, represents the first ecological park and the first to preserve a wetland in the U.S. This landmark achievement was the result of over five decades of advocacy, shifting public perception from viewing the Everglades as a wasteland to recognizing its ecological significance. Key figures such as Ernest F. Coe, who founded the Everglades National Park Association, played pivotal roles in securing federal and state support through legislation and land donations. While the National Park Service recognized the ecological value, Florida's primary motivation was to develop it as a tourist attraction. The park's creation involved significant land transfers and financial contributions from both federal and state governments, culminating in its dedication by President Harry S. Truman.

van der Valk, A. (2022). From Wasteland to Tourist Attraction: The Creation of Everglades National Park. Wetland Science & Practice, 40(4). https://doi.org/10.1672/ucrt083-57