WALNUT CANYON

Walnut Canyon became Flagstaff’s first national monument in 1915. But even before Wilson made it a monument, the San Francisco Forest Reserve (today's Coconino National Forest) provided protection for the canyon as early as 1903.

Civil War veteran James Pierce was hired to protect the canyon's antiquities. With his wife Mattie, Pierce lived at the “Cliffs Ranger Station.” You can see this historic cabin and learn more of the history of Walnut Canyon on guided Ranger Cabin walks every Sunday or on self-guided tours each Thursday (call Walnut Canyon at (928) 526-3367 to reserve space). Custodianship of Walnut Canyon was transferred to the Park Service in 1934.

WUPATKI

Wupatki National Monument was established in 1924 during the Coolidge administration. For the first decade, J.C. Clarkee, a self-taught archaeologist, and MNA's Harold Colton — who had both lobbied for Wupatki's preservation — accepted the position of (absentee) custodian, for the nominal salary of $1 per diem. In 1934, Jimmie Brewer was appointed the first live-in ranger at Wupatki. He and wife Sallie converted part of Wupatki pueblo to be their living quarters for the next two years.