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Bierstadt: George Catlin and the National Park Idea

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When George Catlin traveled up the Missouri River into present-day Montana, he admired the Native American peoples of the Great Plains and observed the bison herds as one of their critical resources. Fearing that the looming decimation of bison would devastate the livelihoods of Native peoples, Catlin proposed the creation of a “nation’s park” in the 1830s to preserve both the bison herds and Native cultures of the Great Plains. The notion was ignored for forty years.

George Catlin (1796-1872). Buffalo Chase with Bows and Lances, 1832-1833. Oil on canvas. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C. Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985. 1985.55.410
George Catlin (1796–1872). Buffalo Chase with Bows and Lances, 1832–1833. Oil on canvas. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C. Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985. 1985.55.410

About Nancy McClure

Nancy now does Grants & Foundations Relations for the Center of the West's Development Department, but was formerly the Content Producer for the Center's Public Relations Department, where her work included writing and updating website content, publicizing events, copy editing, working with images, and producing the e-newsletter Western Wire. Her current job is seeking and applying for funding from government grants and private foundations. In her spare time, Nancy enjoys photography, reading, flower gardening, and playing the flute.

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