National Parks are often said to be the most revolutionary idea ever put fourth by the United States of America. The idea that grand nature and history can and should be preserved for future generations. The idea that the tallest mountains, biggest gatherings of wildlife, the tallest trees, the deepest canyons, and the widest skies should be not just available to all, but collectively owned by citizens of the nation and enjoyed by the people of the world. These lands would not be sold to the highest bidder, instead Americas most treasured scenic areas would be managed by the government that is by the people and for the people.
In a time when rampant industrialization took the world by storm, some individuals looked at the USA's seemingly unlimited natural resources and realized that they were in fact running out. In the mid 1800s, the idea of "wilderness" changed from a scary place that we should shield ourselves from to a refuge for the soul from the problems of everyday life. The national parks would be the embodiment of that idea.
This is my photographic journey through the national parks across the country. I have absolutely loved learning about these ecosystems and their wonders. What has intrigued me most are the creation stories of these parks. Each national park has a hero that loved its character and advocated for its protection. When that hero be a politician, a naturalist, a writer, a sportsman, a local, a tourist, a group, or even a kid reading the newspaper his lunch was wrapped in. Those are the stories I find myself chasing when I visit these places. I feel inspired in these places, so I feel connected to others who were inspired and made change. These are those stories.
-Emmett
