THE FATHER OF CANYONLANDS
Bates Wilson
Superintendent Bates Wilson steadfastly championed core values that reflect the National Park Service’s mission of preservation, enjoyment, education, and inspiration
The Bates Wilson Legacy
His Career & Philosophy
Bates Wilson’s’ career with the National Park Service began in the early 1930s, when he worked as a foreman for a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) construction crew around Santa Fe, New Mexico. After taking the park ranger exam in 1937, Bates accepted an entry-level position at Saguaro National Monument. However, two days before he was to start, the superintendent at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument was pulled into the Navy, and Bates was awarded the job of “acting custodian” (what would now be acting superintendent) at Organ Pipe.
After service in the Army in the early 1940s, Bates was appointed custodian of El Morro National Monument from 1946 through 1949, when he was transferred to Arches and Natural Bridges National Monument. Oddly enough, Bates started his career in the top management position of superintendent and never worked as a ranger.
His Role as Superintedant
Bates Wilson served as superintendent of Arches and Natural Bridges National Monument from 1949 to 1972. He could most often be found outside. Driving between the two parks – drawn to the vast “land in between” – he dedicated countless hours to exploring and mapping its diverse geology. During that time, he advocated for the creation of a national park in the area that is now Canyonlands. Bates led government officials on jeep tours featuring lengthy talks over campfires and hearty dutch-oven dinners. Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall joined one of these tours in 1961 and began lobbying Congress for the proposed park.
Public Law 88-590
These efforts came to fruition on September 12, 1964, when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Public Law 88-590 establishing Canyonlands National Park. Bates became the first superintendent which, along with his role as chief advocate for the park’s creation, earned him the title “Father of Canyonlands.”
Bates retired from the National Park Service in 1972 but remained close to Canyonlands. He maintained a ranch in Professor Valley, just 20 miles north of Moab, and served as chairman of Canyonlands Natural History Association until his death in 1983.
Bates Wilson’s Philosophy on the Importance of Nature Education and Preserving Public Lands
Superintendent Bates Wilson steadfastly championed core values that reflect the National Park Service’s mission of preservation, enjoyment, education, and inspiration:
- That the park visitor experience a strong personal connection with the land, as he did.
- That exploration and education opportunities abound at the parks. Bates never went anywhere without trying to learn more and explore further.
- That these extraordinary public lands are preserved forever. He recognized that wild places are vital for us, our children, and for their children.
- That the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow. Bates influenced many young people as they explored the parks with him, forming their own connections to the land.
Read more about Bates Wilson’s career with the National Park Service on the Canyonlands National Park website.
