Existing comment:
Bates Wilson:
Bates Wilson accepted the position of Custodian of Arches and Natural Bridges National Monuments in 1949, and stayed on the job until his retirement in 1972. When Wilson arrived, Arches National Monument had few developments beyond dirt roads. During his superintendency, Arches doubled in size and was designated a national park. Roads were paved, hiking trails constructed, a campground and a visitor center were built.
Known to many for his role in the establishment of the Canyonlands National Park, Bates Wilson also left a grand legacy at Arches, as a small and relatively unknown national monument grew into the National Park we know today. |