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Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, and the Creation of Our National Parks

Leon Foster

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The story of Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir is a story of friendship, adventure, and conservation. These two men were instrumental in the creation of our national parks system, and their legacy continues to inspire us today.

Roosevelt was born in New York City in 1858. He was a sickly child, but he loved the outdoors and spent much of his time exploring the woods around his home. When he was 22, he went on a hunting trip to the Dakota Territory. The experience changed his life. He fell in love with the West and its vast wilderness.

The Camping Trip that Changed America: Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, and Our National Parks

by Barb Rosenstock

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Language	:	English
File size	:	16416 KB
Print length	:	32 pages

Muir was born in Scotland in 1838. He immigrated to the United States when he was 11 years old. He was a self-taught naturalist and spent much of his life exploring the wilderness of California. He was a passionate advocate for conservation, and he believed that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the beauty of nature.

Roosevelt and Muir first met in 1903. They quickly became friends, and they shared a common interest in conservation. In 1906, Roosevelt invited Muir to join him on a camping trip to Yosemite National Park. The trip was a turning point in the history of conservation. Roosevelt was so impressed by Muir's knowledge of the park and his passion for conservation that he decided to make the park a national monument.

Roosevelt and Muir continued to work together to protect our nation's natural heritage. In 1908, Roosevelt signed the Antiquities Act, which allowed him to create national monuments by presidential proclamation. He used this authority to create 18 national monuments, including the Grand Canyon and the Petrified Forest.

In 1916, Congress passed the National Park Service Organic Act, which created the National Park Service. The act was signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson. The National Park Service is responsible for managing our national parks and ensuring that they are preserved for future generations.

Roosevelt and Muir's legacy continues to inspire us today. Their work to protect our national parks has ensured that we can all enjoy the beauty of nature for generations to come.