Laurance Rockefeller helped turn 5,000 St John acres into a US national park

Laurance Rockefeller's 1952 boat trip inspired him to preserve St. John's undeveloped island beauty. His organization acquired nearly 5,000 acres, which became the park's foundation. Congress established Virgin Islands National Park in 1956, preserving tropical forests and beaches. Additional submerged lands were incorporated later, expanding the protected area significantly. This conservation effort ensures the island's natural landscapes remain protected for future generations.