Are there any examples of areas in the United States that were ruined by humans before national parks were established? Essentially not being labeled in time for preservation.

by mybachhurts
mormengil

Niagara Falls might be a prime example.

Although the falls are still there, the build up around them (on both the US and Canadian sides) and the reduction of flow (due to using diverting the water into turbines for power generation) certainly detract from the original natural spectacle of the falls.