This reef is nowhere near the sea… Aug 2, 2021

…nor the US Capitol building it"s named for. Utah"s Capitol Reef National Park—first established as a national monument this day in 1937—is named for its massive rock domes that reminded explorers of that famous rotunda back in Washington, DC. Why Capitol "Reef," though? Because the imposing formations were a major obstacle to travelers through the region, the same way a coral reef is an obstacle to sailors.

© Tim Fitzharris/Minden Pictures

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Today in History

Aug 2, 2018The Aomori Nebuta Festival parade, Japan
Aug 2, 2019An uncommon look at an American icon
Aug 2, 2020Bellissima!
Aug 2, 2022Happy birthday, Capitol Reef National Park
Aug 2, 2023Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Aug 2, 2024Virgin Islands National Park established
Aug 2, 2025Petroglyphs near Fruita in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

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