When was it published?

October 6, 1960 in The Glacier Reporter

Story October 6, 1960

The Glacier Reporter

Q: What entities or persons were involved?

Lieutenant John T. Van Orsdale, George Bird Grinnell, President Taft

Q: What keywords are associated?

Glacier National Park, Anniversary, National Park Establishment, George Bird Grinnell, Montana Scenery, Advocacy Movement

Browning, Glacier County, Montana

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What is this article about?

Glacier National Park marked its 50th anniversary in 1960, established on May 11, 1910, by President Taft. Advocacy began in 1883 with Lt. John T. Van Orsdale's letter and continued through George Bird Grinnell's efforts from 1885 onward, culminating in his 1901 push for national park status.

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KNOW MONTANA....

GLACIER PARK ANNIVERSARY

Glacier National Park, which this year marked its 50th anniversary, came into existence on May 11, 1910, when President Taft signed the necessary legislation.

But the movement for a national park began years earlier.

In 1883 in a letter published in the Fort Benton "River Press," Lieutenant John T. Van Orsdale, who made reconnaissance and exploration trips in the Glacier Park area in 1873, wrote: "I sincerely hope that publicity now being given to that portion of Montana will result in drawing attention to the scenery which surpasses anything in Montana or adjacent territories. A great benefit would result to Montana if this section could be set aside as a national park."

In 1885 and in 1887 and thereafter almost yearly for as long as he was able, George Bird Grinnell, editor of "Forest and Stream" magazine, came to the area. It was largely through his efforts that public interest was drawn to this sector. In 1901 he urged a movement to set aside the area as a national park.

What sub-type of article is it?

Historical Event Biography

What themes does it cover?

Exploration Triumph

What keywords are associated?

Glacier National Park Anniversary National Park Establishment George Bird Grinnell Montana Scenery Advocacy Movement

What entities or persons were involved?

Lieutenant John T. Van Orsdale George Bird Grinnell President Taft

Where did it happen?

Glacier National Park Area, Montana; Fort Benton

Story Details

Key Persons

Lieutenant John T. Van Orsdale George Bird Grinnell President Taft

Location

Glacier National Park Area, Montana; Fort Benton

Event Date

May 11, 1910 (Establishment); 50th Anniversary This Year; Advocacy From 1883 1901

Story Details

The establishment of Glacier National Park in 1910 followed years of advocacy, starting with Van Orsdale's 1883 letter praising the scenery and suggesting it as a national park, and Grinnell's repeated visits and 1901 campaign to build public interest.