Lake Mead became America's first national recreation area in 1964, drawing millions of visitors. However, Nevada had to wait until 1986 for its first national park—Great Basin National Park—after decades of battles with ranchers and mining interests who didn't want to give up the land.

From The Vault: How Nevada got the first recreation area, but became one of the last to get a national park.

History and folklore of Nevada, written by Professor Michael Green of UNLV, and narrated by former Senator Richard Bryan. Supported by Nevada Humanities and dedicated to the memory of historian Frank Wright. (Wright wrote all segments before August 2003.)

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From The Vault: How Nevada got the first recreation area, but became one of the last to get a national park.

From The Vault: How Nevada got the first recreation area, but became one of the last to get a national park.