Before World War I, the National Parks Service was a haphazard collection of scenic places best accessible by train. Stephen Mather, the parks’ first director, wanted the parks to be one cohesive system reachable by all Americans. He understood that in order for the parks to survive and expand, they would need an increase in visitors. To do so, Mather took advantage of a booming new industry: automobiles. With cars suddenly affordable for the growing middle class, Mather marketed the parks to car travelers and created roads and overlooks for the perfect “windshield experience.” The number of visitors grew, and by 1928, park visitation exceeded three million people. Mather claimed by giving access to so many people, the parks were contributing to the democratization of the country.

But not all were enthusiastic about the way the parks were being promoted. Several individuals worried that the parks’ scenic beauty and pristine features would be damaged by the automobile, and indeed, photos of this period show this was the case. These debates have their contemporary corollary. Many park visitors want to drive their off-road vehicles through the landscapes, while others object that this will compromise the park environment and experience.

In this lesson, students explore the costs and benefits of Mather’s approach and research how the same issue plays out in debates about off-road vehicles today. Students will role-play advocacy groups to develop a sound policy for regulating off-roach vehicle use.

Objectives: Students will be able to: 

• Analyze the costs and benefits of opening National Parks to vehicles, past and present;
• Create arguments to support a position about off-road vehicles in National Parks;
• Collaborate with classmates to determine solutions to a dilemma.