Last updated: March 7, 2022
Place
Stephen Mather Plaque at Petersburg National Battlefield
NPS
Quick Facts
Location:
Eastern Front Visitor Center
Significance:
Plaque dedicated to Stephen T. Mather
Amenities
2 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Wheelchair Accessible
On the walkway leading to the Eastern Front visitor center is a plaque dedicated to Stephen Tyng Mather. He was a successful businessman and avid conservationist. Mather was the first Director of the National Park Service.
He was appointed special assistant to the Secretary of the Interior, in 1915. Mather focused on establishing an office to manage the National Parks. His vigorous efforts built public and political support for the parks. This helped persuade Congress to create the National Park Service (NPS) in 1916. Stephen Mather was appointed Director of the NPS in May 1917. He continued to promote park access, development. Mather also contributed generously to the parks from his personal fortune.
National park sites throughout the country have plaques dedicated to Mather. All concluding with the inscription "There will never come an end to the good that he has done." Petersburg National Battlefield dedicated this plaque in August of 1991. It was part of 75th anniversary of the National Park Service Celebration.
He was appointed special assistant to the Secretary of the Interior, in 1915. Mather focused on establishing an office to manage the National Parks. His vigorous efforts built public and political support for the parks. This helped persuade Congress to create the National Park Service (NPS) in 1916. Stephen Mather was appointed Director of the NPS in May 1917. He continued to promote park access, development. Mather also contributed generously to the parks from his personal fortune.
National park sites throughout the country have plaques dedicated to Mather. All concluding with the inscription "There will never come an end to the good that he has done." Petersburg National Battlefield dedicated this plaque in August of 1991. It was part of 75th anniversary of the National Park Service Celebration.