As you stand before the Stephen Tyng Mather Plaque in Oregon, imagine a journey through time that unveils the legacy of a visionary who profoundly shaped America’s natural heritage. This plaque honors Stephen Tyng Mather, the first director of the U.S. National Park Service, whose roots trace back to a historic homestead in Darien, Connecticut. The Mather Homestead, constructed in 1778 by Joseph Mather, played a pivotal role during the American Revolution, with its strategic location chosen to safeguard valuables from British raids. Fast forward to the 20th century, Stephen Tyng Mather, a descendant of Joseph, inherited this historic house, which became a cherished summer retreat and his final resting place.
Stephen Mather’s impact stretched far beyond his ancestral home. Born in San Francisco in 1867, he was a successful industrialist who turned his sights to conservation. His career began as a journalist, but he soon became a marketing genius at the Pacific Borax Company, where he branded ’20 Mule Team Borax’ into a household name. This success granted him financial independence, allowing him to focus on his true passion: the preservation of America’s natural wonders.
In 1915, Mather became the special assistant to the Secretary of the Interior, driven by discontent with the state of national parks. His lobbying efforts, charming personality, and strategic initiatives culminated in the creation of the National Park Service in 1916. As its first director, Mather tirelessly expanded and professionalized the service, increasing the number of parks and monuments under federal protection. His dedication to conservation ensured that future generations would enjoy America’s natural beauty.
The plaque you see today is a tribute to Mather’s enduring legacy, a reminder that ‘There will never come an end to the good that he has done.’ His life and work exemplify the power of vision and perseverance in shaping a nation’s identity, preserving its history, and protecting its landscapes for all to experience and cherish.
