Steel, W. G. (William Gladstone)

An early Pacific Northwest conservationist, William Gladstone Steel (1854-1934), is best known for his advocacy work on behalf of granting national park status to Crater Lake. An avid mountaineer and prolific writer, Steel also was actively involved in the effort to establish the Cascade Range Forest Reserve and founded both the Oregon Alpine Club and the Mazamas.

From the description of Cascade Range Forest Reserve, circa 1924. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 123953735

William Gladstone Steel (b. 1854) was called "The Father of Crater Lake."

From the guide to the Letters to W. G. Steel, 1887-1891, (Oregon Historical Society Research Library)

W.G. Steel was a writer and historian from Oregon.

From the description of Scrapbook of Klondike gold rush, Frederick A. Cook's ascent of Mt. McKinley, and other Alaskana, ca. 1897-1907. (Alaska State Library). WorldCat record id: 42069309

William Gladstone Steel (b. 1854) was called "The Father of Crater Lake."

The youngest child of a family of 10, he came to Oregon in 1872. He eventually became a letter carrier for the Portland post office, and was later appointed superintendent of carriers. He also held the office of secretary of the Eugene Chamber of Commerce. He first visited Crater Lake in 1885, and he lobbied for many years to have it designated a national park.

From the description of Letters to W. G. Steel [manuscript], 1887-1891. (Oregon Historical Society Research Library). WorldCat record id: 759177484