Prophets and Moguls, Rangers and Rogues, Bison and Bears: 100 Years of the National Park Service

by Heather Hansen

Anyone who has stood beneath a redwood, neck craned to see its top rising far above; or who has heard ghostly whispers of residents long-past among the burnt-red cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde; or who has climbed the stairs to gaze out from the Statue of Liberty’s crown, would agree that our National Park system is a source of pride and wonder.

But 100 years ago, creating a bureau to administer America’s vast and diverse parks was a concept requiring great debate and persuasion. The story of the National Park Service is the story of people who fought for the protection of the places that have helped to define our national identity, those places we now hold dear—from the blue hazy mist that hangs over Great Smokey Mountains National Park to the spouting geysers of Yellowstone to the thick, steamy waterways of the Everglades. The NPS founders were the architects of our family vacations, the inventors of icons with worldwide appeal. They battled “progress,” which often masked greed and ignorance, and their story continues with those who molded and grew the NPS through a flu pandemic, the Great Depression, World Wars, and beyond.

Prophets and Moguls, Rangers and Rogues, Bison and Bears is the engaging and accessible story of the NPS that brings to life its history and characters. The result of extensive research, dozens of interviews with Park Service employees, and the author’s own experiences at park units she visited all over the country, it’s a highly readable history that connects the dots of past to present and will remind readers of the vast array of public assets administered by the NPS—resources which offer something for everyone and also need every citizen’s support.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Travel, Nature, Historical, Outdoors, Environment

352 pages, Paperback

Published November 15, 2015

About the author

I am a science geek, history buff, travel nut, lover of public lands and of a great story. I write often about human interaction with the natural world. My writing has appeared in newspapers and magazines from San Francisco to Johannesburg.

I am also the author of the award-winning book Prophets and Moguls, Rangers and Rogues, Bison and Bears: 100 Years of the National Park Service. And co-author of the acclaimed book Disappearing Destinations: 37 Places in Peril and What Can Be Done to Help Save Them.

Most recently I spent nearly two years looking at wildfire from the inside out with the City of Boulder Wildland Fire Crew, and other experts. During that time I became a certified wildland firefighter, a blistering process. The result is a narrative that looks at the bigger, more destructive and costlier fires which are now the norm.

Wildfire: On the Front Lines With Station 8 also explores our relationship with wildfire and talks about how that needs to change going forward to preserve human lives, property and the environment.

Reviews

[Gail Storey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could hardly wait to get my hands on PROPHETS AND MOGULS, RANGERS AND ROGUES, BISON AND BEARS, and it's even a richer story of our National Park Service than I could have imagined. Heather Hansen has done an extraordinary job of organizing complex archival and present-day accounts into a highly entertaining and informative book. I especially appreciate the many photographs that bring the history of the NPS vitally alive. It sparkles with stories of the people, events, conflicts and successes that made not just our national parks but wilderness, rivers, trails, archaeological and other sites the stunning resources they are today.

[Grace Hood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really enjoyable read. My favorite part was the first section on the history of National Parks. There are many fascinating historic pictures, and Hansen doesn't disappoint with interesting details and unique stories about the origins of the NPS. The chapter on Hetch Hetchy Reservoir was particularly interesting given the debate that's happening today!

[Sandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love our national parks and agree that they are America's "best idea." Heather Hansen's book celebrates the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. Impressively researched, the book reveals how the NPS evolved over decades and how its early founders Stephen Mather and Horace Albright created an agency with policies that protect our beautiful wilderness areas to this day. The National Park Service Organic Act of 1916 which created the National Park Service states that the "fundamental purpose" of the national parks and monuments "is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." As now, there were early politics and commercial interests that were sometimes successful in removing those protections. Can you imagine the loss of 3000 year old Sequoias? It has happened. (We must support organizations that struggle to prevent the loss of precious forests and open land.)

I especially enjoyed Hansen's look at the Park Service's partnership with the CCC, FDR's Civilian Conservation Corps, that brought wages and dignity to over three million men struggling during the Great Depression. Their trail clearing and park structures still bring appreciative enjoyment to park visitors today. But not all NPS policies were benevolent, and Hansen explores the missteps, intentional and unintentional. For example, park protections sometimes took away the homes of Native Americans. Even though steps are being taken today to return some of their land, at the time they were forced from property they had inhabited for generations. Also, inclusivity is more of a priority today in the park service than it has been in the past.

If you spend time in our national parks, I highly recommend Hansen's book.

[Marieta Grissom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly researched, well written, very enjoyable history of the National Park Service. Many good stories! Heavy-weight paper and small print made it a little harder to read for a senior citizen, but otherwise, I highly recommend this book if the reader is seriously interested in the National Parks.

[Alek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book. Heather Hansen does America's "best idea" justice with this in depth look at the evolution of national parks in the US. The full color photos are great, as well, because they remind the reader of the majesty the NPS tries to protect. This book is thick, and is not a quick read, but is a must for anyone interested in NPS history.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the history of the National Park Service presented in this book. Thank heavens for the foresight, tenacity and political astuteness of the people who worked to get different parks established, funding for them and ongoing protection.

[Kim G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome, comprehensive history of the National Park Service. It covers there many mistakes along the way as well as their successes and their modern challenges and strategies for combatting them.

[Sergio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative book as a whole if you are interested in the NPS. LOT of history to cover, and by no means a definitive history, but in all it is a nice commemoration of the NPS centennial.

[Donald · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little dull, but good information. A little one-sided as well. Further critique would be welcome.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Talked of Park Service struggles and successes. Told me there is a strong hope and plan for the future! Go and find your park in the 100th year of National Parks.