Stephen Mather

American businessman and conservationist

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July 21, 2026

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Stephen Mather was an American businessman and conservationist who played a pivotal role in the establishment and management of the U.S. National Park Service. Initially, Mather complained to the Department of the Interior about the exploitation of natural areas. This led to his employment within the agency, where he, along with Horace Albright, advocated for a unified organization to oversee the national parks. Their efforts culminated in the creation of the National Park Service (NPS) in 1916, with the mission to conserve natural and historic sites for future generations. Mather served as the first director of the NPS, bringing stability and professionalism to park management and promoting the creation of new parks.

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National Park Service
Establishment of the NPS
In 1914 Stephen Mather, a wealthy businessman, wrote the secretary of the interior about the poor condition of parks he had visited that summer in the Sierra Nevada. The secretary suggested that Mather work to improve the system by joining the department in Washington, D.C. Two years…
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In 1914 Stephen Mather, a wealthy businessman, wrote the secretary of the interior about the poor condition of parks he had visited that summer in the Sierra Nevada. The secretary suggested that Mather work to improve the system by joining the department in Washington, D.C. Two years…
Read More