The National Monument was created in 1937.

516 square miles of the Sonoran Desert was set aside by President Franklin Roosevelt's signature on a proclamation to preserve the only place in the U.S where the Organ Pipe Cactus occurs naturally.  Soon after its creation, many other significant attributes were discovered.  See the Page, "Significant Features."

Today, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument can be changed, reduce in size or eliminated by the President. If it was a National Park, Congress would have to approve.  Simply, there is more protection as a National Park.

The National Monument brings $13 million of economic benefit to the region.  Tourism is very important to southwestern Arizona.

As a National Park, at least 20% more people will come annually.  More tourist dollars will benefit the people and businesses in the western portion of Pima County including the Tohono O'odham Nation, and the communities of Ajo, Gila Bend and those in Mexico.