Madison Grant and the Dark Side of the Conservation Movement

A critical reassessment of Madison Grant's legacy within the conservation movement reveals his dual role as both a founder and a figure with troubling associations. James B. Wheeler, a retired National Park Service ranger, exposed Grant's dark side—his eugenicist beliefs and racist ideologies—which were previously glossed over in official narratives at Redwood National and State Parks. Wheeler's plea for historical accuracy, initially ignored, later led to adjustments in the Prairie Creek memorial and Founders Tree monument. This study underscores the importance of confronting uncomfortable histories to ensure ethical and inclusive storytelling in conservation heritage sites.

Wheeler, J. (2023). Madison Grant and the Dark Side of the Conservation Movement. The Public Historian, 45(3), 75–82. https://doi.org/10.1525/tph.2023.45.3.75