National Park Service and Early Parks

Stephen Mather

The first director of the National Park Service, enthusiastic about national parks and wilderness after an encounter with John Muir.

Horace M. Albright

Assistant director when the National Park Service was created, and later became the second director after Stephen Mather. Contended with Mather's bipolar disorder by attending meetings and making decisions. Was also a strong advocate for historic preservation.

Organic Act of 1916

Legislation that officially created the National Park Service, with a mission to manage for both preservation and recreation, despite inherent conflicts between the two.

Grand Canyon National Park

An early national park whose protection was controversial. Theodore Roosevelt declared it an object of unusual scientific interest using the Antiquities Act to protect it from exploitation.

Antiquities Act

Signed by Theodore Roosevelt, it allows presidents to proclaim areas as national monuments to protect objects of historic or scientific interest without Congressional approval.

Ralph Henry Cameron

Opponent of the National Park Service, who claimed lands and had mining rights in the Grand Canyon area, causing conflict over