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Grand Canyon celebrates 100 years as a national park in 2019

Posted at 10:28 AM, Dec 31, 2018
and last updated 2019-02-26 09:18:19-05

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The Grand Canyon is celebrating 100 years as a national park in 2019.

President Woodrow Wilson made the designation in 1919. But Teddy Roosevelt is credited for preserving the natural wonder as a game reserve and a national monument.

Centennial events include Roosevelt impersonators, a historical symposium, a living history week and efforts to get visitors beyond the popular South Rim.

Park spokeswoman Vanessa Ceja Cervantes says the park will showcase lesser-known sites on social media.

The park's actual birthday is Feb. 26.

It's one of the most visited sites in the National Park Service, drawing more than 6 million tourists a year.

Most visitors peer into the deep gorge from the South Rim but others navigate river rapids, hike the numerous trails or camp under the stars.