William and Elizabeth Thacher Kent purchased 600 acres of land in 1903. Back then it was called Redwood Canyon. Elizabeth was hesitant intially as the family was deeply in debt after suffering economic losses during the panic of 1902/1903. A financial risk to which William quipped: “If we lost all the money we have and saved these trees, it would be worthwhile, wouldn’t it?"
The events that followed their decision created a beloved National Park in Marin, California that is visited by millions annually:
Muir Woods National Monument Timeline
November 1905 Botanist Alice Eastwood and friends toast Kent’s choice of name for Redwood Canyon: MUIR WOODS at their Thanksgiving dinner among the redwoods.
Dec. 2, 1907 Condemnation proceedings, for water rights, filed against Kents and their holdings in Redwood Canyon. Proposal is to log trees and build dam at confluence of Fern Creek with Redwood Creek.
Dec. 3, 1907 The Kents return from Hawaii, immediately wire Gifford Pinchot to express intent to save woods and clearly stating public value of keeping forest intact and open to people; Olmsted identifies Antiquities Act as possible means to save
Dec. 10, 1907 Kent writes water company to express his view that saving woods may be a higher purpose than water rights. Also starts massive PR campaign
Dec. 14, 1907 Promising news from Washington, D.C. Deed prepared to donate lands.
Dec. 17, 1907 Olmsted visits and describes value of woods: 35 million board feet of lumber, $150,000
Dec. 26, 1907 Olmsted’s Report received; deed for gift of 298 acres sent to Dept. of Interior
Dec. 31, 1907 Secretary of Interior Garfield accepts deed through Antiquities Act
January 9, 1908 President Theodore Roosevelt Proclaims the Gift a National Monument.
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Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
