Modern Legacy

In 1936, Joshua Tree National Monument was created as a biological and cultural reserve, bringing new communities to the area. National Park Service buildings, campgrounds and employees were the most obvious change. Park staff were tasked with scientifically managing the area, protecting resources, and providing recreational and educational opportunities to the public.

A decade after Joshua Tree’s establishment, the United States entered WWII and the small staff came and went as the war effort pulled them away. The military envisioned the open desert as the perfect training ground and the park got new neighbors with General Patton’s tank encampments and maneuver training areas on the east and south park boundaries. The expansive Desert Training Center joined the military glider school (now the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center) just to the north ensuring that Joshua Tree played a part in war preparation activities.

Today, Joshua Tree has become a busy world-famous climbing destination, with over three million visitors who come to the park to hike, camp, climb and sightsee.