Cruz Bay in St. John, Virgin Islands — The Caribbean (The West Indies)

Philanthropy in the National Park Service

Photographed by Don Morfe, January 29, 2012

1. Philanthropy in the National Park Service Marker

Inscription.
Private philanthropy has a long history and important role in the development of America’s National Park system.

Charitable donations by the Rockefeller family, notably by Laurance S. Rockefeller, helped to establish, enlarge or improve national parks across the United States. From Maine to Hawaii and Alaska to the Virgin Islands, over two dozen national park sites, including Acadia, Great Smokies, Grand Teton and Yosemite have benefited from his generosity and conservation ethic.

The Mellon family has also contributed significantly as has Walter and Leonore Annenberg at sites nation-wide.

Philanthropy continues to ensure that our national treasures are protected for future generations. The National Park Foundation, National Park Trust and Trust for Public Land are just a few organizations that secure land for the continued protection and preservation of national parks. Other non-profit organizations, corporations and private citizens act individually and collectively in cooperative preservation partnerships.

Advocacy groups such as Friends of Virgin Islands National Park are increasingly playing a vital role

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in supporting park units in the advancement of the Mission of the National Park Service. Equally important is the generosity of volunteers who are the spirit of many of many philanthropic groups, who unselfishly give their time and individual expertise in the support of the National Park Service.

Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Landmarks • Parks & Recreational Areas.

Location. 18° 19.986′ N, 64° 47.586′ W. Marker is in Cruz Bay in St. John, Virgin Islands. It is on North Shore Road. This marker is on the grounds of the Virgin Islands National Park visitor center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: St John VI 00831, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is one of the Lesser Antilles

on the Caribbean Sea,

on in the Atlantic Ocean,

in North America,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker,

Photographed by Don Morfe, January 29, 2012

2. Philanthropy in the National Park Service Marker

measured as the crow flies: Establishment of Virgin Islands National Park (here, next to this marker); Laurance Rockefeller (here, next to this marker); Confronting a Turbulent Past (approx. 4.6 miles away); Life After Emancipation (approx. 4.6 miles away); The Sugar Factory (approx. 4.6 miles away); Producing Sugar (approx. 4.6 miles away); Bake Oven (approx. 4.7 miles away); History of Annaberg (approx. 4.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cruz Bay.

Other markers no longer nearby. Horse Mill (was approx. 4.6 miles away but has been permanently removed); Annaberg Historic Trail (was approx. 4.6 miles away but has been permanently removed); Slave Quarters (was approx. 4.6 miles away but has been permanently removed).

Photographed by Don Morfe, January 29, 2012

3. Philanthropy in the National Park Service Marker

Photographed by Don Morfe, January 29, 2012

4. Philanthropy in the National Park Service Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 11, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 641 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 30, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.