John Milton’s Influence on the National Parks
Citation:
Stoll, Mark. “Milton in Yosemite: ‘Paradise Lost’ and the National Parks Idea.” Environmental History 13, no. 2 (2008): 237–74. http://www.jstor.org/stable/25473234.
Importance of This Article:
The development of the national parks idea in the United States drew on a number of influences. This article explores how Reformed Protestant ideas of Eden influenced some English and American descriptions of national parks – in particular, Yosemite National Park – and how similar influences affect the perception of the parks in modern times.
Summary:
This article delves into the profound influence of John Milton’s epic poem, Paradise Lost, on the concept of national parks, with a specific focus on Yosemite National Park. It argues that the religious descriptions of Yosemite as an Eden can be traced back to Milton’s portrayal of Eden in his poem. Furthermore, the article explores the impact of Reformed Protestantism and Calvinist theology on the perception of Yosemite as a sacred place. It suggests that the conventions established in the 19th century continue to shape the way Americans envision national parks today.
The author establishes a connection between Milton’s Paradise Lost and Yosemite National Park, arguing that Milton’s portrayal of Eden as a pristine and idyllic landscape influenced the perception of Yosemite as a sacred place. The author suggests that the religious undertones associated with Yosemite can be attributed to the influence of Milton’s epic poem.
John Muir, a prominent figure in the preservation of Yosemite and the establishment of national parks, was deeply influenced by Reformed Protestantism. The article highlights that Muir’s core readership consisted of Reformed Protestants, particularly those with Calvinist roots in Puritan New England, Scotland, and England. These readers shared a cultural background that enabled them to appreciate the religious allusions in Muir’s writings, including references to Milton’s Paradise Lost. Muir’s descriptions of Yosemite as a sacred landscape resonated with his Reformed Protestant audience, who were familiar with the religious ideals associated with Eden.
The article explores the broader influence of Paradise Lost on landscape architecture, art, and literature. It highlights how Milton’s description of Eden inspired landscape gardeners to reject formal gardens and embrace more naturalistic landscapes. This rejection of formalism can be seen in the design of Central Park in New York, which was influenced by Milton’s vision of Eden. The article also discusses the development of the American parks movement, which was shaped by the ideals of preserving natural beauty and creating spaces for public enjoyment.
The article emphasizes the role of landscape art in preserving Milton’s aesthetic. It cites examples of John Martin’s engravings depicting Eden, which captured the grandeur and beauty of Milton’s vision. These engravings not only preserved Milton’s landscape aesthetic but also influenced the perception of natural landscapes in general. The article argues that landscape art played a crucial role in shaping the public’s understanding and appreciation of natural beauty, which in turn contributed to the development of national parks.
The article concludes by suggesting that the conventions established in the 19th century, influenced by Milton’s Paradise Lost, continue to shape the way Americans envision and value national parks today. Notably, renowned photographer Ansel Adams has played a significant role in preserving Milton’s aesthetic through his photographs of Yosemite. The religious and aesthetic ideals associated with Yosemite as an Edenic landscape have persisted over time, contributing to the reverence and preservation of national parks as sacred spaces.
Report compiled by Samuel Holman – article summary generated with Humata AI
Parks and Profits: How Parks are Economically Beneficial
Citation:
Richardson, Leslie, Lynne Koontz, and Bruce Peacock. “For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People: An Exploration of the Economic Benefits of National Parks.” The George Wright Forum 35, no. 1 (2018): 42–52. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26452990
Summary:
This article explores the economic benefits of national parks in the United States, including job creation, tourism revenue, and the net economic values individuals receive from visiting and enjoying national parks. It also discusses the methods used to estimate these economic benefits and the importance of understanding them for policy and management decisions. The article emphasizes the significance of estimating both direct use values (benefits from visiting parks) and passive use values (benefits from the existence and preservation of parks). It further highlights the importance of understanding the economic value of public lands to inform federal policy and decision-making.
Sample Questions:
Q: What are the different economic benefits that national parks provide to the United States, and how are these benefits measured?
A: National parks provide a variety of economic benefits to the United States. These benefits include job creation, sales, tax revenues, and other positive economic activity generated by national park visitation and operations at local, state, and national levels. The economic contributions of national parks can be broken down into several categories:
Spending by National Park Service (NPS) visitors in communities near parks.
Local purchases of supplies and services for park operations.
Employee payroll spending in nearby communities.
Grants and payments to communities from NPS programs.
Restoration and construction activity from NPS infrastructure repair investments.
Report compiled by Brian O’Riley – article summary generated with Humata AI