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The National Parks

The Scripture of Nature (1851-1890)

Season 1 Episode 1

In 1851, word spreads across the country of a beautiful area of California’s Yosemite Valley, attracting visitors who wish to exploit the land’s scenery for commercial gain and those who wish to keep it pristine. Among the latter is a Scottish-born wanderer named John Muir, for whom protecting the land becomes a spiritual calling.

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 Morning of Creation (1946-1980)
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1:53:40
Examine the proliferation of protected lands and the protection of predatory animals.
Great Nature (1933-1945)
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1:53:40
Learn about the changes to the national parks during the Great Depression and WWII.
Going Home (1920-1933)
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1:54:41
Encounter the growing numbers of visitors to the parks.
The Empire Of Grandeur (1915-1919)
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1:50:32
Learn about the federal agency created to protect the parks.
The National Parks Season 1
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2:11:22
Investigate the efforts of Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir and others to protect the land.
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