Would National Park exist without John Muir? Throughout his life John Muir stood up for the environment in three ways. He wrote letters to politicians, books that defended the wilderness, and he founded the Sierra Club. All of these motivated people, such as Theodore Roosevelt to enjoy and preserve nature.
Historical Context John Muir was born on April 21st 1838. He grew up in Dunbar, Scotland until the age 11 when his family moved to the United States. His family bought a farm in Portage, Wisconsin. During his childhood, his father had him work very hard on their farm. However, when Muir had breaks he invented small machines and explored the woods with his brother. After many years of observing nature he attended the University of Wisconsin for three years. Then he traveled north and worked many odd jobs. During this time he studied botany observing nature. In 1867, he sustained a temporarily blinding eye injury while working at a carriage parts shop. Shortly, afterward he began to travel around the United States on foot and boat. When he visited the Sierra Mountain range he was deeply moved to protect nature. He described it as being a spiritual experience that could sooth the mind. ("John Muir")
In the 19th century, industry used the environment for resources and land. Thus, wilderness areas were …show more content…
On the trip Muir discussed environmental issues and the devastation of the wilderness. Upon returning, he successfully convinced Roosevelt and the California governor to make the valley part of Yosemite National Park. Many of his articles were so inspiring that readers began to speak for conservation in politics. Also, John Muir was actively involved in the fight personally. One example of this is when he started a campaign against the damming of the Hetch Hetchy Valley. Many of Muir’s efforts helped prevent natural areas from being destroyed. ("John
Historical Context John Muir was born on April 21st 1838. He grew up in Dunbar, Scotland until the age 11 when his family moved to the United States. His family bought a farm in Portage, Wisconsin. During his childhood, his father had him work very hard on their farm. However, when Muir had breaks he invented small machines and explored the woods with his brother. After many years of observing nature he attended the University of Wisconsin for three years. Then he traveled north and worked many odd jobs. During this time he studied botany observing nature. In 1867, he sustained a temporarily blinding eye injury while working at a carriage parts shop. Shortly, afterward he began to travel around the United States on foot and boat. When he visited the Sierra Mountain range he was deeply moved to protect nature. He described it as being a spiritual experience that could sooth the mind. ("John Muir")
In the 19th century, industry used the environment for resources and land. Thus, wilderness areas were …show more content…
On the trip Muir discussed environmental issues and the devastation of the wilderness. Upon returning, he successfully convinced Roosevelt and the California governor to make the valley part of Yosemite National Park. Many of his articles were so inspiring that readers began to speak for conservation in politics. Also, John Muir was actively involved in the fight personally. One example of this is when he started a campaign against the damming of the Hetch Hetchy Valley. Many of Muir’s efforts helped prevent natural areas from being destroyed. ("John