Glacier National Park History

Glacier History and Culture

Glacier History and Culture

European explorers reached the area of Glacier in the initial years of the 1800s. English, Spanish and French trappers had entered the area in a hunt for beavers. At the time the vast prairies located at the east of the Rocky Mountains were controlled by the Blackfeet Indians. The Kootenai Indians and Salish tribe inhabited the western valleys. Gradually the number of people moving in from the west increased and the original tribes of the area were forced to live in reservations. The entire Glacier area thus, is of great spiritual importance to the Blackfeet, Salish and Kootenai tribes even today.

Important happenings before establishment of the Glacier Park

In 1891, a railroad was constructed over the Marias Pass. Great Northern Railway was also completed at that time. This made the area very accessible enabling large groups of people to come and inhabit the area. Thus, small towns gradually developed in the valleys located in the west of the Marias Pass. Many miners tried to explore the mountains in search of gold and copper. In the endeavour the mountains under the control of the Blackfeet were taken over. When there were no overwhelming results the miners gave up and left the region.

History of Glacier National Park

By the end of the 19th century, the outlook of people regarding the Glacier area started changing. Tourists started pouring in for exploring the beauty of the place. Small hotels and facilities started developing. Although there were no roads, people used to explore the area by navigating through boats and travelling on horses. Few people who had come as explorers in the area started petitioning for converting it into a National Park. In 1900, it was declared a Forest Preserve, but mining and homesteading were still allowed. Finally, the efforts of people like George Bird Grinnell were rewarded and Glacier was declared the 10th National Park by President Taft.

Glacial National Park history is quite an interesting one. While establishing the glacier park, there was an acute shortage of roads. The historical Going-to-the-Sun Road was built for fulfilling the requirements. Several parts of the road are still treated as great examples of human engineering. Gradually hotels and other tourist facilities started developing making Glacier National Park a desired tourist destination.

Glacier National Park today

Glacier National Park has developed immensely through the years and was declared a world heritage site in 1995. Although highly sophisticated and modern facilities are available in the region, many people want to get a feel of Glacier history and Glacier culture. Being almost as old as the park, many objects and hotels bear witness to Glacier Park history. Old Glacier Park culture can still be enjoyed today by taking the routes that the tourists of the 1900 used to take.

by: Jeremiah

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