John Muir s Influence On American History - 1841 Words

John Muir is arguably the most influential conservationist in American history. He was an active member in the preservation of the American wilderness from the late 1800’s until he passed in 1914. Muir is often referred to as the â€Å"Father of the National Parks† because of his efforts in the establishment of several National Parks. One of the biggest flaws of American history textbooks in need of change is the fact that they do not include the conservationists who have preserved the environment so today the same beauty can be see the way that they saw it. John Muir was involved in many American conservation efforts including the co-founding of Yosemite National Park, founding of the Sierra Club, and his overall career as a†¦show more content†¦Muir believed that the stunning beauty of the Yosemite valley deserved to be protected so that people from all around the world could view. From the first time Muir saw the Sierra Nevadas he regarded them very hig hly, â€Å"a landscape was displayed that after all my wanderings still appears as the most beautiful I have ever beheld. At my feet lay the Great Central Valley of California† (Muir 2). Muir goes further in detail as to why it was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen, â€Å"Along the top and extending a good way down, was a rich pearl-gray belt of snow; below it a belt of blue and dark purple, marking the extension of the forests†¦ from the blue sky to the yellow valley smoothly blending as they do in a rainbow, making a wall of light ineffably fine. Then it seemed to me that the Sierra should be called, not the Nevada or Snowy Range, but the Range of Light† (Muir 2 and 3). This beauty that Muir describes in his book The Yosemite was one of the major contributors to his founding of the Yosemite valley as a national park (Muir 1-3). Turner 3 The biggest focal point of John Muir’s attraction towards the Yosemite valley was the wide variety of flowers and trees, and he believed that these should be protected. Muir felt very strongly about the importance of the trees and in particular one, â€Å"The most influential of the Valley trees is the yellowShow MoreRelatedThe Founding Of National Parks1533 Words   |  7 PagesAmerican history had been born of discovery and industrialization, however early founders believed that certain spaces that garnered appreciation and interest were deemed worthy of government intervention and policy thus incorporating National Parks into American society. There were many people of utmost significance that contributed to the founding of national parks but the person with the most influence was John Muir. The work and ideas created by Muir and several other founders led to what weRead MoreRisk and Quality Managment Assessment1446 Words   |  6 Pageshospital. 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