page_title: Carleton Watkins
section_title: Environmentalism
hierarchical_section_title: Carleton Watkins / Legacy / Environmentalism
context_page_description: Carleton E. Watkins was an American photographer of the 19th century. Born in New York, he moved to California and quickly became interested in photography. He focused mainly on landscape photography, and Yosemite Valley was a favorite subject of his. His photographs of the valley significantly influenced the United States Congress' decision to preserve it as a National Park.
context_section_description: The 1864 bill signed by Lincoln is often seen as the beginning of environmentalism in American politics. In accordance with his influence in preserving Yosemite and the beginning of the National Parks system, Watkins is seen as an important part of that. His photographs captured nature in a way that caught the eye of Americans. He created sublime images of wilderness, pristine landscapes untouched by humans. These images established icons that furthered environmentalist ideals, helping to back claims about preservation.
caption: Section of the Grizzly Giant, looking up, Mariposa Grove, Mariposa County, Cal, by Watkins
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