Summary of The National Parks: America’s Best Idea

A Film by Ken Burns – Part 3, “The Empire of Grandeur” (1915-1919)

This documentary recounts the history of the National Parks during the time of Steven Mather and the creation of the National Parks Service. Before 1915, the creation and management of the national parks in the United States was disorganized. Any place that was beautiful and seemed to be in danger was named a National Park. Even if a place named a designated park its protected was not guaranteed because of the lack of organization in the system.

Steven Mather was a wealthy man who was inspired by Innus Mills. He began working in Washington by helping run the National Parks because he believed in the cause. He, along with his assistant Albright, worked to bring national attention to the Parks around the country. He created shows with Native Americans, allowed railroads to be built throughout the parks with the tag line “See America First,” and gained the support of many of his wealthy friends by bringing them out to see the parks and all of the magic they hold. Through the use of his own money, donations from his friends, and associating a sense of patriotism with the National Parks, Mather managed to create the National Park Service and have it recognized by the United States government in 1916.

After struggling with depression and attempted suicide, Mather was forced to leave his job to Albright. However, with the help of Albright and the beauty and spirit of the National Parks, Mather was able to return to his job at full speed ahead displaying the tremendous power, inspiration, and faith that the parks evoke in the people that visit them. Mather and Albright succeeded in creating many parks including Grand Canyon National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and many more.

Other major influences on the National Park system include the Washburn’s who made a documentary of their expedition to the top of Mt. McKinley, making it well known around the US and a National Park. The Kolb brothers were the first to photograph and make a video of the waters of the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park. With the efforts of John D. Rockefeller Jr. and George Dorr, Mt. Desert Island became Acadia National Park in 1919, the first National Park in the East and also the first national park to be made up of donated land. Because of the work of Mather, Albright, and many more influential people the National Park Service is running today to help protect and manage the US’s natural wonders.

Movie Trailer