As the country celebrates the centennial of the National Park Service this year, who better to pay tribute to than John Muir?
The prolific writer's eloquent and arresting prose inspired U.S. presidents, lawmakers and everyday Americans to care about the preservation of nature, a cause the Martinez resident championed until his death in 1914.
Among Muir's many accomplishments include the establishment of Yosemite, Sequoia, Mount Rainier and Grand Canyon national parks, and the founding of the Sierra Club. Although he died shortly before the park service was created, its legacy is a reminder of Muir's trailblazing efforts to keep wilderness sacred and free from development.
In his later years, he often retreated to his writing room in the famous mansion he shared with his wife and two daughters. Enjoy a virtual tour of the historic site, including the formal parlor, Muir's bedroom and writing room, the sprawling attic and the infamous belltower. [[398787691, C]]
Gillian Edevane covers Contra Costa County for NBC Bay Area. Contact her at Gillian.Edevane@NBCuni.com.
