The History Of The National Parks Service Emblem Explained

In July 1951, the arrowhead emblem that lets visitors know their in or near a National Park was authorized by the Secretary of the Interior, Oscar L. Chapman. In 1952 the emblem became the placement on the signs and documents used by the parks. Eventually, employees and rangers of the National Park Service donned the arrowhead as a patch on their uniforms (per National Parks Traveler).

The emblem is filled to the brim with symbolism representing the National Parks. According to the National Park Service, "The Sequoia tree and bison represent vegetation and wildlife, the mountains and water represent scenic and recreational values, and the arrowhead represents historical and archeological values." 

The arrowhead emblem is thought to have been first used in a publication for the Oregon Caves National Monument. On March 15, 1962, the arrowhead became the official symbol of the National Park Service and is now almost instantly recognizable to millions of people in and out of the parks.