The History of Denali
Human habitation in the Denali Region extends to more than 11,000 years before the present, with documented sites just outside park boundaries dated to more than 8,000 years before present. Relatively few archaeological sites have been found and recorded due to the harsh weather conditions within the park boundaries. There has been much evidence as to when different tribes lived in this region, suggesting that they may have inhabited the area for thousands of years.
The history of the park started when Charles Alexander Sheldon took an interest in a species of sheep native to the region and became concerned that human involvement might threaten the species. After his visit, he started a petition to Congress to create a preserve for the sheep. The park was originally founded as Mount McKinley National Park on February 26, 1917. However, only a portion of Mount McKinley was within the original park boundary. The park was designated an international biosphere reserve in 1976. A separate Denali National Monument was proclaimed by Jimmy Carter on December 1, 1978.
The history of the park started when Charles Alexander Sheldon took an interest in a species of sheep native to the region and became concerned that human involvement might threaten the species. After his visit, he started a petition to Congress to create a preserve for the sheep. The park was originally founded as Mount McKinley National Park on February 26, 1917. However, only a portion of Mount McKinley was within the original park boundary. The park was designated an international biosphere reserve in 1976. A separate Denali National Monument was proclaimed by Jimmy Carter on December 1, 1978.