The United States government acquired the land now known as Rocky Mountain National Park. Native Americans lived and cared for this land for centuries. As human numbers and uses grew, people recognized that preservation was necessary.
Many passionate advocates of a park emerged, including naturalist and guide Enos Mills (1870-1922). He led the push for a wilderness park. The interests of mining, grazing and logging pushed for a national forest where commercial activities could continue. In 1915, Congress dedicated Rocky Mountain National Park.
