National Park Service emblem

The arrowhead was authorized as the official National Park Service emblem by the Secretary of the Interior on July 20, 1951. It is not officially documented but the elements of the emblem symbolized the major facets of the national park system:

• The Sequoia tree and bison represent vegetation and wildlife.

• The mountains and water represent scenic and recreational values.

• The arrowhead represents historical and archaeological values. Sources: National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Thrillist, Register research