Who became the first director of the National Park Service?

Stephen Mather became the first director of the National Park Service.

Mather was an industrialist and conservation advocate who helped build support for a unified federal parks agency. He worked closely with journalist Robert Sterling Yard and Interior Secretary Franklin K. Lane before the NPS was created.

Mather was appointed to lead the new agency in 1917 and served until 1929. During his tenure, the NPS developed professional administration, expanded visitor facilities, and promoted the national parks to a wider public.

Horace Albright, often confused with Mather, was the second NPS director and had previously served as Mather’s assistant. Robert Sterling Yard was an influential publicist and later helped found the National Parks Association, but he was never NPS director.