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synopsis

Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., a member of the National Park Service Board of Trustees, played a significant role in the establishment and development of the Everglades National Park Project. He worked in support of the site's application towards National Park recognition, urging that appeals to the Congressional Committee should be based on ideas of conservation

Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., a member of the National Park Service Board of Trustees, played a significant role in the establishment and development of the Everglades National Park Project. He worked in support of the site's application towards National Park recognition, urging that appeals to the Congressional Committee should be based on ideas of conservation and “not on the basis of developing a sort of Tropical Amusement Park for the Nation.” He understood “the only hope of putting the project through, of raising the necessary funds, is to secure general backing and cooperation of such organizations rather than their opposition.” [FLO Jr. to Robert Sterling Yard_12-30-1930_LOC-OAR-B-R238_im.12&13]

Correspondence reveals preliminary controversy surrounding the vision and principles governing the designation of the Everglades as a National Park. In 1931 a report was submitted by the Committee on Public Lands and Surveys in favor of passing the bill, noting the importance of saving bird and plant life as a primary reason. The Everglades officially became a National Park in 1947.

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