Fun fact: The National Park Service emblem is packed with symbolism.
The arrowhead represents the history, heritage and culture of America, its people, and the NPS agency itself. The arrowhead also speaks to archeological values. The giant sequoia and bison represent vegetation and wildlife, while the mountain and water represent recreational and scenic opportunities within the park system.
The arrowhead was formally authorized in 1951 and first used in 1952 as a plaque at a National Park Service conference and in an Oregon Caves National Monument brochure. The arrowhead patch was first placed on NPS uniforms in 1955. In 1962, the arrowhead trademark was officially designated as the NPS symbol.
NPS historian Aubrey Neasham first sketched out an arrowhead, arguing that the emblem should speak to the NPS’ primary function. That rough design was then refined by Herbert Maier, the architect responsible for the NPS’ rustic style of “parkitecture,” which defines the identify of buildings and structures across the NPS system.
