Encore: National Parks | Playgrounds of the People | 5
American History Tellers
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Mather's Work on the Parks
When mather returned, he thrust himself back into his old job. For a while, it seemed like he never left. He spoke to private businesses to build hotels and restaurants with scenic views. And most significantly, he embraced the auto bile. The car was changing america. By 19 18, guests arriving in cars outnumbered those coming by train seven to one. In 19 20, park intendante surpassed one million,. causing mather to declare that the automobile has been the open sesame for the park service. Eventually, he would use his personal connections to lobby congress for funds national park highway, which ultimately encompassed a total of 12 parks. But the surge of tourists needed managing.
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