Teddy Roosevelt and John Muir: The History of the Partnership that Established the Conservation Movement in America

For a man who grew up to become the “Bull Moose”, Theodore Roosevelt was a sickly child, suffering from asthma and other maladies. But his physical weakness actually drove him to be more active, which also fostered an interest in nature. It also helped that Teddy’s family was wealthy, allowing him privileges including home school and the ability to attend Harvard, where he was an athlete and took an interest in naval affairs. After finishing at Harvard, Teddy entered politics, but it didn’t stop him from writing The Naval War of 1812 in 1882, establishing himself as a professional writer and historian. 

By the time Roosevelt died in 1919, he was an American icon. Today, Teddy is remembered for being an explorer, hunter, author, soldier, president, and safari adventurer, all of which combine into one unique reputation. As with all legends, Roosevelt is often portrayed more as a quintessential man’s man, to the point that the legend obscures the actual man.

John Muir is remembered as one of the earliest conservationists, naturalists and natural philosophers who is forever entwined with California - he is the man behind the creation of the Yosemite National Park and the namesake of the John Muir Trail in Sierra Nevada. Thus, it is somewhat amazing that Muir was 30 years old before he ever set foot in the state. In fact, Muir was a Scotsman, and despite the fact that he lived in the United States for almost his entire life, he never lost his accent, nor did he lose his fundamental identity with the wild East Lothian countryside and the rugged Scottish coast upon which he was born.

Given its natural wonders, it should come as no surprise that the area attracted some of the 19th century’s most famous conservationists, including Muir and his good friend Theodore Roosevelt. Muir in particular was instrumental in having Yosemite declared a national park, and he would wax eloquently about the area and the fight to preserve it.