Enos Mills

Known as the father of Rocky Mountain National Park, Enos A. Mills was an internationally famous naturalist, author, lecturer, and nature guide who moved to the Rockies in 1884 at age 14. The next year, he made the first of more than 250 ascents of Long Peak, near his homestead cabin. He later founded a guest lodge nearby, offering guided nature walks to visitors. Mills was a vocal early supporter of the fledgling national parks system, calling them necessary for the growth of civilization. "Within national parks is room -- glorious room," he said. "Room in which to find ourselves, in which to think and hope, to dream and plan, to rest and resolve." He lived to see Rocky Mountain National Park founded, largely through his advocacy, in 1915.