Stephen T. Mather

Stephen T. Mather was an American industrialist and conservationist who became the first director of the National Park Service in 1917. He played a key role in promoting the idea of preserving natural beauty and making national parks accessible to the public. Mather believed in protecting the environment while also developing tourism to boost local economies. His leadership helped establish iconic parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite as national treasures. Mather’s efforts laid the foundation for the national park system we enjoy today, emphasizing conservation, recreation, and appreciation of America’s natural landscapes.