Mar a Lago Used to Be a National Park...

Yes, you read that correctly. Mar a Lago used to be a National Park. It never opened to the public and was only part of the NPS for just 8 years, but, nonetheless it was once part of the National Park System. In today's day and age, when Mar a Lago is one of the most famous properties in America, not many people know about this part of its history. As a self-proclaimed park nerd, I think it's fascinating, and so I dug into the history of Mar a Lago, how and why it became a National Park, and ultimately, what led to its deauthorization. Enjoy.
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Sources and Resources:
Mar a Lago Historic Photos - www.loc.gov/re...
www.palmbeachp...
www.npr.org/20...
www.palmbeachd...
www.housediges...
timeline.com/m...
www.smithsonia...
tile.loc.gov/s...
www.gpo.gov/fd...
time.com/vault...
www.govinfo.go...
time.com/46617...
Photos and Music:
Storyblocks
Library of Congress
State of Florida Archives
Historical Association of Palm Beach County

[@MoctezumaStudios]

If development of this site would have continued it could have probably become something like the South Shore Cultural Center Park here in Chicago and a mix of Pullman Town where it is part of the city park service and National Historic Park.

[@NationalParkDiaries]

The Biltmore comes to mind for me as well. Largest private home ever built in America and now open for public tours.

[@desert.mantis]

Very interesting episode, Cameron. Thanks for telling the story of probably the least known National Historic site. You triggered me to research Marjorie Post and her dad for whom CW Post College was named (on Long Island).

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Thanks for watching! I almost couldn't believe it when I learned this used to be an NPS site lol. So much media coverage, but very little is ever told of the NPS connection!

[@meganstahlberger608]

I had no idea! Wild to think about

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Definitely an interesting story and history!

[@Noidzor]

Super interesting video! I was thinking that someone bought the property and then kicked the NPS out…would’ve never guessed it was because of the cost of maintenance.

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Thank you! Yeah, $1 million a year in maintenance.... And that was back in the '70s!

[@bmolitor615]

it's ALWAYS about the cost of maintenance

[@gtbkts]

Thanks for the awesome content and great videos!!!😊

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Thanks, as always, for watching! Much appreciated!

[@sujimtangerines]

After accidently stumbling across a few, I am not sure what kept me from trying to find and visit them all... But I knew of and at least stopped in the vacinities of Platt, Mackinac, Fossil Cycad, OKC & JFK performing arts (Ranger at Wolftrap mentioned). I can see why this might have made a comfortable & yet well-appointed, appropriate Winter White House. And whether intentioned or not, I can't fault Ms. Post's thought process in donating it to the NPS. After all, the Presidential retreat at Camp David is tucked away inside Catoctin Park. That said, I can't help but think there must have been inheritance tax considerations in donating it. As a savvy business woman, she would have known how much it would cost to provide upkeep, let alone fund the renovations that the Secret Service would deem necessary & what little she designated wouldn't cover it. It's a beautiful estate & a shame it didn't remain in the hands of the NPS. (Sorry for being Debbie Downer & seeing the nefarious angle, especially if her descendants didn't actually get some tax relief.)

[@NationalParkDiaries]

You know, that's an interesting angle I hadn't considered! I didn't come across anything like that in my research, but seems like a possibility at the very least!

[@Chris-ut6eq]

Had no clue about this part of history. Would not care, if it had not been part of the NPS, but it's interesting how it came into and out of the government's control.

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Yes, a very unique and interesting part of its history!

[@davidniven9538]

Cameron, my wife and I watch your videos each week. Very interesting and informative as always. Thank you taking the time to publish these.

[@NationalParkDiaries]

That warms my heart, thanks so much for being here and supporting these videos!

[@genericalfishtycoon3853]

Well shoot, I didn't have a clue. Good on ya man that's why I'm subscribed here. Always learning something!

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Haha, glad I could help 😂

[@mateoneedham6807]

I'm new to your channel, and I'm loving it. Thanks for sharing your research and excitement, Cameron.

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Glad to have you here, thanks for watching!

[@sunnygirlishappy]

I didn't know that. From 10 mil to 160 mil, wow, what a good invest. Thanks Granmommie

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Definitely a good return on that purchase!

[@kenbrady119]

Too much gold with too little geological wonder for my taste. Not a "park" I would visit.

[@NationalParkDiaries]

I have to admit, it was a bit of a weird pick for NPS inclusion at the time. I understand that it was a donation (with the maintenance condition, of course), but I can't really see Mar a Lago as being all that representative of American history or worthy of NPS preservation. It's a stunning piece of architecture, sure, but doesn't really carry any historical significance. Seems like it would have been better served by a Biltmore-type situation IMO.

[@wm9782]

Good work keep it up!

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Thank you!

[@JiveDadson]

Now it's Mag-a-Lardo.

[@jaimedoria1698]

Blow hard a lardo😅😅😅

[@jeannefecteau]

😂😂😂😂 greatest comment I have ever read

[@southwesthardypalms]

beautiful comment lol

[@JH-fb3mp]

can you talk about Poop National Park edit: Great video btw

[@briank1471]

We learned about this after visiting the LBJ Presidential Library and seeing a map with dots indicating NPS sites added during his administration. A little research revealed the NPS connection.

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Nice! Lots of these interesting little parks that have come and gone over the years. Fascinating to see what's considered a "National Park" over time.

[@goofyiest]

well, that's sickening for many reasons.

[@dj33036]

let them eat cake

[@VidClips858]

Perhaps it'll be back in government hands soon.

[@stevebird9510]

Lord , I hope not. They ruin everything.

[@geogypsytraveler]

Maybe it will go back to public ownership again. ;)

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Perhaps! They'd have to solve that maintenance issue lol

[@mikaeelmalik1724]

One of those owners only count as a billionaire if you round up

[@zbutler111]

How many other sites have been decommissioned?

[@buzzanderson6217]

He was the first country club that I know of to allow people of color to join. Sammy Davis JR was a member from what I heard and he was not allowed in other clubs even though he was famous.

[@BatMan-oe2gh]

Trump bought it in 1985, and Sammy died in 1990. He was never a member there. And I checked.

[@gtwfan52]

Huh?

[@theonemodifier]

What's it really worth? I wondered what it would sell for?

[@thepoet1470]

160,000 000?

[@silvertortoise3776]

Rich people waste so many resources.

[@kenswindle4860]

Great video. And America's National Parks already made America Great. Any politician who is against National Parks makes America weak, not great.

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Thank you!

[@aff77141]

Why am I not surprised

[@Ralith09]

Why such an old valuation? It's probably worth twice that in 2024.

[@gw7120]

Its definitely a historic place , forever in US history.

[@BennilocoLoves]

You can say that again! 😳

[@Space_Debris]

"Mar a Lago" translates to "Sea to Lake."

[@bmolitor615]

it was not a charitable donation, it was a ridiculous boondoggle and they got rid of it asap.

[@BennilocoLoves]

I love how research yeilds results! Would be great if everyone researched, instead of blobbling along on what they're told! Wonderful channel, young man! Keep up the excellent work! One suggestion, though.. SMILE! 😁 Cheers!

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Thanks for watching!

[@ilajoie3]

It used to be a national park. Now it's the home of a national disgrace

[@sanguci2952]

Erm…just say ur antisemetic sweety😊😊😊😅😅

[@arnoroorda3201]

Could'nt have said it better! 😆

[@ilajoie3]

​@@sanguci2952I didn't say anything about Jewish people. I only said that it was home to a national disgrace, as far as I know from the photo-ops he did trump claims to be a christian

[@JamesOfEarth]

Creepy place, inhabited by creepy people.

[@skysthelimitvideos]

Perhaps it will become a National Park Unit again someday after Trump dies. After all many properties and even vacation homes of dead presidents have become NPS units in the past. It’s association with Trump (a president I hate but many love) would certainly make it a big tourist draw.

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Yeah, at this point, it's uncommon for a President NOT to have an NPS site dedicated to them lol

[@skysthelimitvideos]

@@NationalParkDiaries Maybe Trump tower will become the first skyscraper to be a national park? 🤔

[@realalbertan]

It may become an ad hoc BOP facility in the near future.

[@Timeless-m8j]

Such a Fabulous Place!!....Such a Great Investment!!....President Trump Is an Amazing Guy!!!

[@lennonwilson6407]

So even at 1 million a year in upkeep, it would still have been an amazing investment considering the value of the property. Good job national park service. You made the right choice, lmfao.

[@theamazinghippopotomonstro9942]

If Trump is forced to give up mar-a-lago because of the fraud trials or otherwise, I'd like to see it in public ownership.

[@arnoroorda3201]

Now you can go to the toilet and look at Highley Classified Documents! 💩🫣