In 1951 the National Park Service (NPS) launched the concept of
developing a documented history for each unit of the national park
system. Known since 1984 as “park” histories, the studies were to be
general in scope, spanning the history of each area with emphasis on
park origin, legislation, visitor use, and all aspects of management.
Although sporadic research on local area history was done by the NPS in
the 1950’s and early 1960’s, comprehensive research studies that finally
led to a park history for Badlands National Monument did not start until
1964. In that year Ray H. Mattison, former Visitor Services Coordinator
and Historian for the Midwest Region of the NPS, began the project by
selecting some 300 pages of reference materials from the National
Archives. Additional bibliographical materials were located in the
Congressional Record, NPS historical files, and elsewhere. Former Chief
Park Naturalist Robert A. Grom of Badlands National Monument did much in
gathering photographs, maps, and historical data, and in writing
additions and revising parts of the various drafts prepared by Mattison.
By the end of 1965 a manuscript was completed, but publication was
delayed. Mattison retired from the NPS in 1965 and Grom was transferred
in May 1966.
In 1967 more historical evidence came to light which resulted in the
editing, updating, and expanding of the 1965 manuscript. Much of this
work was done by Joanne W. Stockert, wife of the Chief Park Naturalist.
Copies of all documents and references not found locally but which were
used as bibliography in the final manuscript were obtained for the files
or library of Badlands National Monument. For those who are interested
in learning how this national monument has evolved to the present time,
the Badlands Natural History Association has published this history with
the hope that it will provide a basic source of historical information
on Badlands National Monument.
John W. Stockert
Executive Secretary
Badlands Natural History Association