The Scripture of Nature (1851-1890)

Access to this video is a benefit for members through

Member Sign-In

Learn More

Member Sign-In

Learn More

Up Next

The Last Refuge (1890-1915)

2:13:24

The Empire Of Grandeur (1915-1919)

1:52:33

Going Home (1920-1933)

1:56:43

Great Nature (1933-1945)

1:55:41

Morning of Creation (1946-1980)

1:55:42

Mr. President Goes to Yellowstone

11:48

New Land

1:58

Roosevelt and The Grand Canyon

3:11

For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People

0:48

The Park Idea

2:23

The Work of the Civilian Conservation Corp

2:10

The Creation of Yosemite National Park

11:44

The National Parks

The Scripture of Nature (1851-1890)

In 1851, word spreads across the country of a beautiful area of California’s Yosemite Valley, attracting visitors who wish to exploit the land’s scenery for commercial gain and those who wish to keep it pristine. Among the latter is a Scottish-born wanderer named John Muir, for whom protecting the land becomes a spiritual calling.

Read more

Support Provided By

Full Episodes

The National Parks

Morning of Creation (1946-1980)

Examine the proliferation of protected lands and the protection of predatory animals.

The National Parks

Great Nature (1933-1945)

Learn about the changes to the national parks during the Great Depression and World War II

The National Parks

Going Home (1920-1933)

Encounter the growing numbers of visitors to the parks.

The National Parks

The Empire Of Grandeur (1915-1919)

Learn about the federal agency created to protect the parks.

The National Parks

The Last Refuge (1890-1915)

Investigate the efforts of Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir and others to protect the land.