Background
John Muir's family immigrated to the United States from Scotland in 1849, when he was
eleven years old. The Muir family made their home on a farm near Portage, Wisconsin. Muir
(1838-1914), after attending the University of Wisconsin, traveled around the United
States for several years. He came to California in 1868, where he became a naturalist and
an avid supporter of the Yosemite Valley, helping to establish Yosemite National Park in
1890. He wrote numerous articles and books concerning the environment and the importance
of nature. Daniel H. Muir, Jr. (1843-1923), the recipient of the letters, and the younger
brother of John Muir, became a medical doctor in 1870, and married Emma Kinaston in 1872.
Restrictions
Restrictions: Researchers wanting permission to quote
from or to reproduce any of the John Muir letters in this collection must contact the
Muir-Hanna Trust, via the University of the Pacific, to inquire about possible
restrictions on the John Muir material.