There is still a wildness to the West. It is in the land and in the spirits of the people that live here. As an Idahoan, I grew up with this independent mindset that pervades everything from politics to religion and community. This mindset acts as a backdrop to the West’s vast stretches of inhospitable lands that are full of romance and wonder. The preservation of these wild lands, still untouched by development, can be largely traced back to one man: Theodore Roosevelt. The Grand Canyon
This Act, also called the National Monuments Act, allowed Roosevelt and his successors to proclaim historic landmarks, historic structures, and other historic or scientific objects as national monuments under federal ownership. Under this act, subsequent presidents have proclaimed over 100 national monuments and parks. I believe that Roosevelt's greatest legacy in this nation was his pioneering environmentalism. If not for him, many of this country's natural wonders and historic places might have been destroyed already from development and abuse.
I had the opportunity this summer to spend time in southern Utah and northern Arizona visiting such places as Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. While in Bryce Canyon, my family and I decided it would be a great opportunity to go on a horseback ride. During the ride, I got a glimpse of what the West used to be like. With our guides dressed as authentic cowboys, riding through places not jammed with tourists, taking in the breathtaking views, and getting close to wildlife, I thought it no wonder Roosevelt was a preservationist.
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Don't forget Abe! He signed legislation which granted the Yosemite Valley in California to that state, which led to its protection. And it was under T.R. that the first National Park, Yellowstone, was created.
ReplyDeleteRoosevelt was a conservationist, yet didn't mind hunting in America and Africa, killing countless animals in the process. I'm not sure how to reconcile that in my mind...how one can be both a conservationist and a prodigious hunter.
Anyway, T.R. was a fascinating man, larger than life, and one of our greatest presidents.
Well done, Rebecca.
Geoff,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments! I really admire TR, especially his conservation efforts. Thanks to him and others, like Abe, we have the beautiful national parks, monuments, etc. to enjoy.
I have also wondered that about TR, how he was also an avid hunter. I've known others like that too and they seem to have no problem hunting while also while being conservationists. Something to think about I guess!
Bryce is practical in my back yard. I miss the mountains and yes much of southern Utah is still as it was 100 years ago.
ReplyDeleteTR was interesting I admire his explotes in the Spanish American war.
Trestin,
ReplyDeleteTR was a very interesting guy! I was just reading about him in a book and I'd like to know about him before he was president.
Bryce is so beautiful! I'm a little jealous it's in your backyard. :)
I heartily agree with this post. This past summer, we had the opportunity to go to Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the North Dakota badlands, and see some of the landscape that inspired TR way back when. I've done a little reading about TR, and have come to feel that Theodore Roosevelt was not only a great president, but an outstanding human being.
ReplyDeletefranceshunter,
ReplyDeleteI agree that he was an outstanding human being. He's quite a legend that's for sure. I've seen the badlands in South Dakota but never TR National Park. Sounds like a great place to visit! Thanks for the comments!