An Influential Leader
Inspiring Author
John Muir was a passionate writer and published
hundreds of articles and numerous books on National Parks, the conservation of
forests, and wildlife. In the late 1800s, America mainly viewed nature as a resource to exploit; not one to preserve. As an author, Muir was able to effectively influence the public's opinion on the use of natural resources and the need to preserve nature's beauty. Muir had many followers and his articles were enormously
popular with his contemporaries. His writings were used by legislators when
drafting environmental bills and often cited during Congressional debates. His work
is credited for the establishment of Yosemite,
Sequoia, Mount Rainier, Petrified Forest, and Kings
Canyon National Parks. He
established himself as an influential leader in the environmental movement of
his time, and continues to inspire and influence environmentalists of today.
"Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity; and that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life." ~ John Muir
"Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity; and that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life." ~ John Muir
"The power of his vivid writings helped those people not only “see” what Muir was describing but also appreciate his argument that such special places needed to be protected as national parks."
~ Dayton Duncan Personal email interview
Meeting with Roosevelt
"I do not want anyone with me but you. I want to drop politics absolutely and just be out in the open with you." This is what President Theodore Roosevelt wrote to John Muir to request a meeting with the 65 year old celebrated writer and naturalist. A conservationist and nature lover, the President wanted to spend time with Muir and hear first-hand about environmental issues Muir was championing. They discussed protecting forests and establishing National Parks. Muir emerged elated from his conversations with Roosevelt, and the President referred to his time spent with Muir as "the grandest day of my life." After this memorable trip, Roosevelt continued pushing for protection and conservation of undeveloped lands. He continued to work with Congress to approve the transfer of Yosemite Valley to the federal government, and created National Monuments by his own authority after his meeting with Muir. |