FORT SCOTT, Kan. — In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the "Organic Act," which stated that the purpose of the newly formed National Park Service was "to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wildlife therein, and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." The first national park was Yellowstone, created in 1872. By the end of the 19th century, more than 30 parks and monuments had been established, most managed independently, some by the U.S. Army.