Early Life

John Muir was born on April 21, 1838, in Dunbar, Scotland. He grew up exploring the rugged coastline and countryside near his home, which helped spark his love for nature. In 1849, his family immigrated to the United States, settling in Wisconsin. There, Muir worked hard on his family’s farm but found time to invent mechanical tools and explore the outdoors. He later attended the University of Wisconsin, where he studied botany and geology, although he never finished his degree. His curiosity about the natural world only grew stronger during these years.

Adventures in Nature

Muir loved to travel and study plants and animals. In 1867, after an accident nearly blinded him, he decided to devote his life to experiencing and protecting nature. He set out on a long walk from Indiana to Florida, a journey of about 1,000 miles. Later, he traveled west and fell in love with California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, especially Yosemite Valley. He spent years exploring the region, climbing peaks, and studying glaciers. His writings about Yosemite inspired many people to care about preserving such beautiful places.

Preserving the Wilderness

Muir believed that nature was sacred and needed to be protected from logging, mining, and other human activities. He wrote books and articles describing the beauty of the wilderness and urging Americans to take action. He worked to convince the U.S. government to protect Yosemite, which became a national park in 1890. He also played a key role in the creation of other national parks, such as Sequoia and Mount Rainier. His efforts helped launch the modern conservation movement in the United States.

Later Years and Legacy

In 1892, Muir co-founded the Sierra Club, an organization dedicated to protecting natural areas. Under his leadership, the Sierra Club fought to preserve wilderness and educate people about conservation. Muir’s friendship with President Theodore Roosevelt was also important. In 1903, the two camped together in Yosemite, and Roosevelt later expanded the national park system. John Muir died on December 24, 1914, in Los Angeles, California. Today, he is remembered as the “Father of the National Parks” and as one of America’s greatest environmental voices. His writings still inspire people to value and protect nature.

Depiction of John Muir at Yosemite National Park

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think John Muir decided to dedicate his life to nature after nearly losing his eyesight?
2. How did Muir’s writings influence the creation of national parks?
3. What role did President Theodore Roosevelt play in supporting Muir’s ideas?
4. Why is John Muir called the “Father of the National Parks”?

Glossary

• Botany – The scientific study of plants.
• Conservation – The protection and careful management of natural resources.
• Glacier – A large, slow-moving mass of ice found in mountains or polar regions.
• Immigrant – A person who moves to live in a new country.
• Wilderness – Land in its natural state, not changed much by humans.

Interesting Facts

• John Muir once tied himself to the top of a tree during a storm just to feel its power.
• Mount Muir, near Mount Whitney in California, is named after him.
• His books and journals are still widely read today.
• Muir’s face appeared on the California state quarter in 2005.
• His family farm in Wisconsin is now a historic site open to visitors.

Timeline

• 1838 – Born in Dunbar, Scotland.
• 1849 – Family immigrated to Wisconsin, USA.
• 1867 – Began his famous 1,000-mile walk after recovering from an accident.
• 1890 – Yosemite became a national park thanks to his efforts.
• 1892 – Co-founded the Sierra Club.
• 1903 – Camped with President Theodore Roosevelt in Yosemite.
• 1914 – Died in Los Angeles, California.