http://www.smartbrief.com/08/20/14/class-were-key-development-national-parks-system-0#.U_ywvmOPrq0
[:)]
Just activated that link.
From the article:
“Dr. Runte, author of National Parks, The American Experience, as well as Trains of Discovery, Railroads and the Legacy of Our National Parks, will discuss railroads and the parks on September 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Canyon Community Center in Springdale, Utah, just outside the park’s south entrance.”
Link to a review of the book (available form Amazon), from 3 years ago (first I’d seen or heard anything about it, though) - interesting comments afterwards:
- PDN.
PBS had a fascinating series (5 part IIRC) about two months ago.
It was fascinating.
According to the series the US National Parks System was put together from a variety of different sources (including a great deal of private money) under a form of Government oversight. Only latterly did this development process include significant government financial support. Especially in the western US, according to the programme, the railways had a significant role to play in the process especially with the construction of hotels in these areas.
A good example of this railway involvement is Glacier National Park and its hotel and backcountry programme.
Charlie
Chilliwack, BC