While the nation's capital, Washington, D.C., serves as a central hub, the true essence of America resonates across its expansive outdoors—from its majestic mountains to its sweeping prairies and coastal shores. Experiencing this vast land is consistently inspiring, offering a unique perspective where everyday differences often recede against such grand backdrops.
Recently, a discussion on a public affairs podcast featured two members of Congress, Republican Bruce Westerman of Arkansas and Democrat Jared Huffman of California. They spoke about their proposed legislation, the Great American Outdoors Act 250. This bill, an expansion of the 2020 Great American Outdoors Act, seeks to allocate $1.9 billion annually to national parks, public lands, and Bureau of Indian Education facilities. The initiative has garnered broad support from numerous American institutions and enjoys enthusiastic bipartisan backing, a reflection of the nation's collaborative spirit.
National parks, often overlooked in their foundational role, are integral to the American narrative. There are 63 such parks spread across 33 states and territories. Last year alone, these cherished sites attracted 323 million visitors.
Actor Kevin Costner, a dedicated conservationist, recently testified before the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee in favor of the Great American Outdoors Act 250. A passionate advocate for America’s public lands, Costner eloquently articulated their significance.
“Nature sits in silence. It's beautiful, it's awe-inspiring, and it's also vulnerable to our worst instincts,” Costner stated. “There's really no better time for us to reaffirm our commitment to these places that tell America's story. Conservation can't afford to be a partisan issue.”
Theodore Roosevelt's Enduring Legacy in North Dakota
In this spirit of conservation, the legacy of President Teddy Roosevelt often comes to mind. He is widely regarded as one of the nation’s foremost conservationists, with his profound love for the American outdoors standing as one of his most significant contributions. Roosevelt embodied the heartland president, and few places capture the essence of the American heartland like Medora, North Dakota, the location of the newly established Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. Its dedication ceremony took place on July 1.
Former President Trump attended the occasion, offering heartfelt remarks about Roosevelt, describing him as “a legend, statesman, soldier, frontiersman, and a true American hero.” Former President Trump has frequently voiced his admiration for Roosevelt, particularly identifying with his strong personality. It was a notable moment when Trump chose the occasion to sign the Great American Outdoors Act Reauthorization within the museum.
How did Roosevelt, a New York City native from an elite family, come to find both a home and purpose in the rugged Badlands of North Dakota? For Roosevelt, this pristine wilderness became a sanctuary for healing after the tragic deaths of his wife and mother. He discovered, to his surprise, that the unspoiled nature of the land and its people deeply resonated with him. It wasn't long before he acknowledged, “The country is growing on me.”
He later reflected, “One of the chief attractions of the life of the wilderness is its rugged and stalwart democracy. There every man stands for what he actually is and can show himself to be.” Roosevelt found this authenticity invigorating and the lifestyle restorative, despite its challenges. He wrote, “We felt the beat of hardy life in our veins, and ours was the glory of work and the joy of living.”
Roosevelt went on to achieve presidential greatness, yet he never lost his connection to the land. The 70,000-acre Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota stands as a testament to this bond. Now, it is complemented by the new presidential library, a project championed by Interior Secretary and former Governor Doug Burgum.
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is scheduled for its grand opening on July 4. Visitors to the Medora library will encounter an experience that not only evokes Roosevelt's expansive and bold character but also offers a sense of returning home to Medora. Notably, it is the first presidential library to be fully digitized, ensuring easy access for all Americans, regardless of their location. Burgum indicated that this digital accessibility aims to inspire young visionaries nationwide to engage actively in public life, much like Teddy Roosevelt himself.
Iconic Landmarks: Mount Rushmore and Mount Vernon
To the south of Medora lies America’s breathtaking presidential memorial, Mount Rushmore, a site that continues to be a subject of public interest and journalistic coverage, with live reports scheduled from the location on July 3.
Visitors are encouraged to experience this monument in person, as its sheer scale is difficult to convey through words alone. Situated in the Black Hills of South Dakota on its highest peak, the sculpture features a 60-foot depiction of four presidents: George Washington, symbolizing the nation’s birth; Thomas Jefferson, representing its growth; Theodore Roosevelt, embodying its development; and Abraham Lincoln, signifying its preservation. Upon discovering the peak he chose for his carving, sculptor Gutzon Borglum famously declared, “America will march along that skyline.” Today, over 2 million people visit Mount Rushmore annually.
Closer to the capital, George Washington’s historic home at Mount Vernon offers another iconic memorial setting. This site has undergone significant renovations since its last major public review in 2023, offering a revitalized visitor experience. Touring the updated facility with Director Doug Bradburn provides illuminating insights. In every sense, it functions as a living memorial, a place where families can engage in fun and educational interactive experiences, thereby instilling the values of citizenship in younger generations.
Bradburn noted a substantial increase in visitors to the revamped facility. “People are coming,” he observed. “I think Americans are looking for answers to questions about who we are and where we come from. Places like Mount Vernon are critical, because kids have got to learn this stuff. They're not going to inherit it through their DNA. They value what their parents value, what their grandparents value, what their schools value. And so, it's important that these places are populated.” Mount Vernon is anticipated to be bustling this summer as Americans seek meaningful historical experiences leading up to the nation's 250th anniversary.
Reflecting on the American Spirit
An argument on behalf of the nation, titled “The Case for America,” has resonated deeply with many, particularly through feedback from individuals sharing their own personal stories. The call for people to submit videos detailing their experiences yielded an overwhelming response, showcasing a diverse array of topics as vast as the country itself—encompassing families, young individuals, military veterans, and a cross-section of people expressing their affection for the nation. Many contributors are immigrants or children of immigrants, conveying profound gratitude and optimism, serving as a powerful reminder of America’s inclusive character.
Coinciding with the nation’s 250th anniversary, the World Cup is currently being hosted in the United States, bringing a significant influx of international sports fans this month. Social media posts and interviews indicate that these global visitors are developing a strong affection for America. Viral videos from national parks and other sites capture their sheer awe and enthusiasm, which, in turn, reflects back to Americans the greatness they might not always perceive.
As the nation commemorates 250 years, may all Americans find their own moments of awe this Fourth of July.
