Conservatives in the Everglades: Sun Belt Environmentalism and the Creation of Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park's creation in 1947 was shaped by a confluence of Sun Belt environmentalism and conservative politics, reflecting Florida's strategic pivot toward tourism and a modern identity. The study reveals that Spessard L. Holland, a pro-business, states' rights advocate, championed the park to leverage its natural beauty for economic growth while rebranding Florida as a progressive, scientifically-minded state. This transformation was driven by three key motivations: maximizing economic benefits from tourism, capitalizing on growing public appreciation for exotic ecosystems, and reshaping Florida's identity away from its racist past toward a forward-looking, conservationist image. The research approach combines historical analysis with political and economic contextualization, illustrating the complex interplay between environmentalism and conservatism in post-war Southern development.

Wilhelm, C. (2016). Conservatives in the Everglades: Sun Belt Environmentalism and the Creation of Everglades National Park. Journal of Southern History, 82(4), 823–854. https://doi.org/10.1353/soh.2016.0245