| |
This is the best tree-lovers monument that could possibly be found in
all the forests of the world," declared conservationist John Muir when
describing the majestic coast redwoods of Muir Woods.
Until the 1800's, many northern California coastal valleys were covered
with coast redwood trees similar to those now found in Muir Woods National
Monument. The forest along Redwood Creek in today's Muir Woods was spared
from logging because it was hard to get to. Noting that Redwood Creek contained
one of the San Francisco Bay Area's last uncut stands of old-growth redwood,
Congressman William Kent and his wife, Elizabeth Thacher Kent, bought 295
acres here for $45,000 in 1905. To protect the redwoods the Kents donated
the land to the United States Federal Government and, in 1908, President
Theodore Roosevelt declared it a national monument. Roosevelt suggested
naming the area after Kent, but Kent wanted it named for conservationist
John Muir.
Muir Woods National Monument contains 295-acres of old growth coastal redwoods.
The redwood groves surround Redwood Creek creating a place of tranquil giants
in an urban setting, which is accessible to visitors of all abilities. Until
the 1800s, many northern California coastal valleys were covered with redwood
trees similar to those found in Muir Woods National Monument. This grove
of redwoods was spared from logging because it was hard to reach. The area
was purchased by a California Senator and his wife, the Kents, to preserve
its unique natural quality. The Kents were afraid future generations wouldn't
be able to enjoy this resource, because redwood groves were disappearing
quickly due to development. It was named, at the Kents request, for conservationist
and philosopher John Muir. |
|