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Weekly Columns

As we approach America’s 250th birthday, Arkansans – and all Americans – have much to celebrate. From our admirable founding ideals and democratic values, to the incredible beauty of the landscapes that dot the map coast to coast, the United States is exceptionally blessed.

Every day, Americans and visitors from around the world come to enjoy and experience what Katharine Lee Bates eloquently described as “purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain” in her iconic poem and song, “America the Beautiful.” 

The desire to preserve our unique lands and geographic features inspired the creation of national parks — a first-of-its-kind concept that, following the establishment of Yellowstone as the world’s first national park in 1872, kickstarted a global movement. 

America’s national parks provide the opportunity to experience and explore the lands that contribute to our rich natural beauty and helped shape our history. From the towering redwoods in California, stoic presidential faces etched into Mount Rushmore, and the hallowed grounds at Gettysburg –– countless places of significance span our nation and inspire awe.

The Natural State is the proud home to many such jewels that characterize our national park system and public lands. Arkansans and their families enjoy a variety of recreational activities, such as fishing or kayaking down the country’s first national river, our cherished Buffalo River, and enjoy the unique thermal waters and history preserved at Hot Springs National Park — the oldest site under continual management by the National Park Service.

We also have a storied connection to the Butterfield Overland Trail, now preserved as a national historic trail. I was proud to lead the push for that designation over many years and achieve its formal adoption in 2023. The route, from 1858 to 1861, was used by the Butterfield Overland Mail Company to transport U.S. mail and passengers between St. Louis, Memphis and San Francisco. The longest stagecoach operation in history, it boasted over 3,500 miles of curved, “oxbow” trail spanning California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee and Missouri.

Beyond its logistical role connecting people, goods and services amid our pioneer era, the trail embodies the American spirit of exploration and industry. It will be memorialized for years to come as another example of the intertwining of our heritage with nature and the outdoors.

Similar examples are found in communities and states across the country, underscoring the link between our lands and legacy.

Fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of quintessential American landscapes is a fitting way to celebrate 250 years of the United States. Public lands, national parks, historic sites, memorials, battlefields and more all help tell our story and invite us to uphold this purpose in the centuries ahead.

That is not a political issue. And I was pleased to introduce bipartisan legislation designed to punctuate it by marking September 17, 2026 – next Constitution and Citizenship Day – as a fee-free day for all sites managed by the Park, Fish and Wildlife, and Forest Services as well as Bureaus of Land Management and Reclamation. The Semiquincentennial Tourism and Access to Recreation Sites (STARS) Act is an extension of my efforts championing expanded access to the outdoors for current and future enthusiasts while spreading the benefits of adventure and education to more Americans.

As we count down to the historic 250-year milestone for our country, now is a great time to plan a visit — be it down the street, across the state or anywhere between our shores. Our journey deserves celebration among the outdoors and historic sites that continue to unite and amaze us.