The Bold Montana Plan That Made Glacier Park

Do You Ever Wonder How Montana Got Glacier National Park?

For well over a hundred years, people from around the world have come to see the natural, breath-taking beauty that is Glacier National Park in Montana. But, how did that happen?

Who Was The First To Want Glacier Park Designated As A National Park?

Yale Naturalist, George Bird Grinnell took a hunting trip in Montana's Glacier region in 1885. Almost needless to say, he fell in love with the area and realized it would need protection from the aggressive mining and logging companies of the time.

Grinnell was the editor of Forest and Stream, and wrote many articles about the Glacier region in Montana in the 1890's.

Read On: A Guide To Glacier Park's Beautiful Wildflowers

Get our free mobile app

Grinnell Coined, "The Crown Of The Continent" That Glacier Still Uses

Many hunters, conservationists and politicians read his articles in Forest and Stream including none other than Theodore Roosevelt (before he was president). Roosevelt would go on to help Grinnell advocate for the national park designation for Montana's Glacier region.

Together, Grinnell And Roosevelt Formed The Boone and Crockett Club in 1887. The club brought together some of the richest and most powerful men in America who were avid about hunting, fishing and the outdoors.

The roster of members included influential law makers including senators. Often Grinnell regaled them with pictures and maps of the glacier region during their meetings eventually garnering their support.

Montana's Senators Were Invited To A Boone And Crockett Meeting In Washington

Madison Grant invited Montana's senators to the meeting where members explained why they felt the glacier region in Montana needed protection. Eventually Senator Carter backed the bill.

President Taft Created Glacier National Park

On May 11, 1910, United State's President William Howard Taft signed the bill that created Glacier National Park making it the 10th National Park in the United States of America.

Sources: National Park Service, Only In Your State, Archives West, Wikipedia, Montana State Library

Check Out Some Shots Of Glacier National Park In All Of Her Glory ⏬⏬⏬