Early Life and Love of the Wilderness
John Muir was a naturalist, conservationist, explorer, and writer. At age 11, his family immigrated to the United States from Scotland and settled in Wisconsin. Muir learned to love the wilderness at an early age and even carved working locks out of wood. At age 21, he entered the University of Wisconsin, but left after three years. After suffering an eye injury while working in Indiana, Muir resolved to work in the wilderness.
California, National Parks, and the Sierra Club
In 1868, after roaming the North American continent, Muir landed in San Francisco. Muir explored California and was awestruck by its natural beauty. He soon became a successful writer, describing the landscapes and detailing the devastation of alpine meadows and forests by grazing sheep and cattle. As a result of his efforts, Congress established Yosemite National Park in 1890. Muir was also involved in the creation of Sequoia, Mount Rainier and Petrified Forest National Parks. To protect the parks from poachers and land prospectors, Muir and his supporters formed the Sierra Club in 1892. He served as its president until his death in 1914.
Discussion Questions
- How did Muir’s early experiences and later eye injury influence the direction of his life?
- Why did Muir’s writing become an important part of his conservation work?
- How does the source connect damage from grazing animals with Muir’s efforts to protect natural areas?
- Why would forming an organization such as the Sierra Club help Muir extend his influence beyond his own travels and writing?