If you’re a long-time reader of the Moab History column, you’ve read our discussions on the founding of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, the administrative history of each, the history of some the key players in setting aside these parcels of public lands, and stories about arch and canyon establishment. This week, however, we turn our attention to somewhat of a special arch, at least in terms of how we count and the order thereof.
On September 11th, 1989, Arches National Park issued a statement denoting the “discovery” of the 1000th arch within the Park. Seasonal ranger Sue Moore and librarian Dick Wunder observed the arch in North Devil’s Garden, now named “One Thousand Arch,” standing 42 feet long and 15 inches high.
The Arches of Arches National Park: A Comprehensive Study published in 1988 by Edward McCarrick and Dale Stevens, states that for an arch to be considered and officially documented, it must “allow light to pass through for at least three feet in one direction. Esthetics are not a consideration.”
In 1970, the park only officially listed the arch count at 90 arches. Today, the Park Service has documented over 2,000. Stay tuned via social media: the Moab Museum team will return with a photo of One Thousand Arch!
The Moab Museum is dedicated to sharing stories of the natural and human history of the Moab area. To explore more of Moab’s stories and artifacts, find out about upcoming programs, and become a Member, visit www.moabmuseum.org.
