This report is intended to inform present and future National Park Service personnel concerning the history, challenges, and circumstances surrounding the development of the New River Gorge National River (NERI) and its sister units Gauley River National Recreation Area (GARI) and Bluestone National Scenic River (BLUE). It provides background understanding of the natural and human histories of the area, of how these have related to administration of the park, and how park administration has developed in interaction with contemporary issues and concerns.