Stephen Mather, American businessman and conservationist, co-founded the Thorkildsen-Mather Borax Company (b. 1867)

Stephen Tyng Mather, born July 4, 1867, and passing on January 22, 1930, stands as a monumental figure in American conservation history. A successful industrialist turned passionate advocate, he is renowned as the inaugural Director of the National Park Service (NPS), a pivotal federal agency dedicated to preserving America’s most cherished natural and cultural treasures for future generations.

From Industrial Success to Conservation Advocacy

Mather's early career saw him accumulate significant wealth as the president and owner of the Thorkildsen-Mather Borax Company. This venture, capitalizing on the high demand for borax – a vital compound used in everything from cleaning products and detergents to glass manufacturing and agricultural applications – propelled him to millionaire status. His financial independence provided him with the freedom and resources to pursue his deep-seated passion for conservation, transforming him from a captain of industry into a champion of America's wildlands and historic sites.

Architect of the National Park Service: A Visionary Campaign

Prior to 1916, the administration of America's national parks was fragmented and often inefficient, with various parks falling under the inconsistent management of different federal entities, including the U.S. Army and the Department of Agriculture. Recognizing the urgent need for a unified, professional approach to park management and to prevent the degradation of these invaluable resources, Mather, alongside his close friend, the influential journalist Robert Sterling Yard, embarked on an ambitious and highly effective publicity campaign. This concerted effort aimed to galvanize public and political support for the creation of a dedicated federal agency. Their tireless advocacy bore fruit with the passage of the Organic Act on August 25, 1916, which formally established the National Park Service as a bureau within the Department of the Interior, tasked with a dual mission: 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.

Laying the Foundation: Mather's Transformative Leadership as NPS Director

In 1917, just a year after its establishment, Stephen Tyng Mather was appointed by Secretary of the Interior Franklin K. Lane to lead the nascent National Park Service. He served with distinction until 1929, a period marked by profound and lasting achievements that shaped the very bedrock of the modern park system.

• Professionalization of Park Management: Mather was acutely aware that effective preservation required skilled, dedicated personnel. He meticulously built a professional civil service organization for the NPS, shifting away from political patronage and instead emphasizing merit-based appointments. This ensured that park rangers, superintendents, and other staff were trained professionals committed to conservation and public service, setting a high standard for park management.
• Expansion of the System: Under his stewardship, the number of national parks and national monuments significantly increased. Notable additions during his tenure include, but are not limited to, Grand Canyon National Park (1919), Zion National Park (1919), Bryce Canyon National Park (1928), and Grand Teton National Park (1929). He tirelessly worked to incorporate diverse landscapes and cultural sites, expanding the federal system's reach and ensuring the protection of a wider array of American heritage.
• Systematic Criteria for Acquisitions: To ensure the integrity and purpose of the growing park system, Mather established clear, systematic criteria for evaluating and adding new properties. This principled approach prevented arbitrary additions and ensured that only sites of outstanding natural beauty, unique geological significance, or profound historical/cultural importance were considered for federal protection, thereby safeguarding the quality and mission of the national parks.
• Development of Infrastructure and Visitor Services: Mather understood that public access and enjoyment were crucial for building support for the parks. He championed the development of roads, trails, lodges, and visitor centers, often leveraging private philanthropy and encouraging concessionaire partnerships to enhance the visitor experience. This balanced approach ensured both preservation and public accessibility, fostering a deep appreciation for these national treasures.

Stephen Tyng Mather's unwavering dedication and strategic vision indelibly shaped the National Park Service into the world-renowned institution it is today. His legacy endures in the professional ethos of the NPS, the expanded network of protected lands, and the foundational principles guiding America's commitment to conservation, inspiring generations to connect with and protect these invaluable resources.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stephen Tyng Mather and the National Park Service

Who was Stephen Tyng Mather?

Stephen Tyng Mather was an American industrialist, renowned conservationist, and the first Director of the National Park Service (NPS). He is widely credited with establishing and professionalizing the federal system for managing U.S. national parks and monuments.

What was Mather's primary contribution to conservation?

His primary contribution was spearheading the highly successful campaign for the creation of the National Park Service and subsequently leading the agency. He transformed a fragmented system of protected areas into a cohesive, professionally managed federal agency dedicated to both preservation and public enjoyment of America's natural and cultural heritage.

How did Stephen Mather become a millionaire?

He accumulated his wealth as the president and owner of the Thorkildsen-Mather Borax Company, a highly successful industrial enterprise involved in the mining and production of borax, a valuable mineral with diverse industrial applications, particularly in cleaning products and glass manufacturing.

When was the National Park Service established?

The National Park Service was formally established on August 25, 1916, through the passage of the Organic Act, a legislative achievement largely driven by the tireless advocacy efforts led by Stephen Tyng Mather and journalist Robert Sterling Yard.

What specific achievements did Mather accomplish as NPS Director?

As the first Director of the NPS (1917-1929), Mather professionalized the park service by creating a merit-based civil service, significantly increased the number of national parks and national monuments (e.g., Grand Canyon, Zion), established systematic criteria for adding new properties to the system, and championed the development of visitor infrastructure like roads and lodges to enhance public access and enjoyment.