A brief presentation on Robert Marshall, notable accomplishments and contributions to the Wilderness Act

1. Robert Marshall
(January 2, 1901 – November 11, 1939)
Legacy & Contribution to
American Wilderness

2. Background
Son of constitutional lawyer, BS in Forestry from Syracuse
Louis Marshall University in 1924
Spent summers in the Scored the highest in the nation
Adirondack Mountains at a on the Civil Service test for
family resort, Knollwood Foresters
Family used wealth to forward MS in Forestry from Harvard
social justice issues University in 1925
Attended the Ethical Culture PhD from John Hopkins
School in NYC University in 1930
Heros were Lewis & Clark Largely credited for being the
driving force for the Wilderness
Spent one year at Stanford Act of 1964

3. Scientific Monthly Article
Published in The Scientific
Monthly in February 1930, "The
Problem of the Wilderness" had
already been rejected by four
other magazines, but it became
one of his most important
works.
He argued that wilderness was
worth saving not only because
of its unique aesthetic qualities,
but because of its ability to
provide visitors with a chance
for adventure.

4. Post Article
Started the Wilderness
Society, dedicated to the
protection of land
“untouched by the
hand of man”
Spent a year in Alaska
and wrote Arctic Village
Named Director of
Indian Forest Service in
1933

5. “Although huge sums of money are involved in and
basis of calculation, the most important value of
forest recreation are not susceptible of measurement
in monetary terms. They are concerned with such
intangible considerations as inspiration, aesthetic
enjoyment, and gain in understanding.”

6. The Original 46-R
Climbed 42 of the 46
Adirondack peaks above 4000
feet in 1921
In 1932, Marshall climbed 14
Adirondack peaks, over 4000
feet, in 19 hours
Was very disciplined and
logged all his hiking and
peaks climbed
Logged many 30-50 mile
hiking days

7. "There is just one hope of repulsing the tyrannical
ambition of civilization to conquer every niche on
the whole earth. That hope is the organization of
spirited people who will fight for the freedom of
the wilderness."

8. Advocate, Politician,
Government Employee
Made few friends in
government and
advocated for Native
American land rights
Marshall was the
leading force behind
the wilderness
preservation movement

9. What Could Have Been?
Marshall had health
problems throughout
his life
Died at age 39 from a
heart attack
Left all of his family
fortune to the
wilderness cause

11. Following Marshall's untimely death in 1939, nearly a
million acres of pristine wild land in Montana was
designated as "The Bob Marshall Wilderness Area,"
meaning that no roads, structures, or mechanized
transportation would be allowed. This tract is one of
the most preserved ecosystems in the world and is
indeed a fitting tribute to the man who fought so
hard to save the scant remaining wild places from the
inroads of development and mechanization.