“The Division recognizes that recreation is a fundamental human need and that it contributes to the general welfare of our people.”

Report prepared by the Director S. C. Taylor, Division of State Parks (1952)

After World War II, shorter work hours, more disposable income, and greater access to transportation contributed to a growing interest in tourism and recreation. From 1942 to 1952, park attendance ballooned from 250,000 to 2,280,000 people. In 1949, the Tennessee General Assembly approved $1.5 million to fund improvements to the state park system. These included the construction of new swimming pools and beaches, recreation halls, picnic areas, boat docks, and inns, as well as the remodeling of existing lodges and cabins.

Across the state, popular activities included swimming, boating, camping, and picnicking. In 1956, three state parks - Cedars of Lebanon, Chickasaw, and Standing Stone - even boasted square dancing among their recreations. Beginning in the 1970s, parks focused on developing educational and interpretive programs around local flora, fauna, and folklife. Many of these programs and activities are still available today.

Nora Shopshire, Bobby McAfee, Betty Kidd, and Floyd Hall enjoy a game of shuffleboard at Norris Dam State Park, 1952. Tennessee Department of Conservation Photograph Collection, 1937-1976. ID: 22781.

Prior to 1962, T.O. Fuller State Park was one of two state parks (along with Booker T. Washington State Park) open to African Americans.

Young men diving at the swimming pool in T.O. Fuller State Park, 1967. Tennessee Department of Conservation Photograph Collection, 1937-1976. ID: 23172.

Booker T. Washington was the first state park in the United States, east of the Mississippi River, to open for African Americans.

Drawing of Booker T. Washington State Park, 1940. Tennessee Department of Conservation Photograph Collection, 1937-1976. ID: 2196.

Archers taking aim in the Lebanon Cedar Forest Park (renamed Cedars of Lebanon State Park), 1938. RG 82: Tennessee Department of Conservation Photograph Collection, 1937-1976. ID: 21982.

A group of women playing a game of croquet at Paris Landing State Park, 1957. RG 82: Tennessee Department of Conservation Photograph Collection, 1937-1976. ID: 22909.