For those with a little background knowledge and a keen eye, there is an opportunity for treasure-hunting in our national parks.
Not all—but many—of our national parks, monuments, and historic sites, contain a hidden gem that reminds us of the inspirational origin of our national parks.
These gems are the Mather Plaques. They commemorate the life and work of Stephen T. Mather, the first director of the National Park Service. Mather’s leadership and vision are at the heart of all that we love about our national parks.
The Mather Plaques are large, identical bronze plates. They depict a profile view of Mather and are inscribed with the quote:
“He laid the foundation for the National Park Service. Defining and establishing the policies under which its areas shall be developed and conserved unimpaired for future generations. There will never come an end to the good that he has done.”
Stephen Mather had an eccentric personality. In the spirit of this, each Mather Plaque has a unique location that doesn’t necessarily follow a rhyme or reason. Trying to find them is an intriguing side-quest for your next national park visit.
Here’s some clues to help you start the hunt in Utah’s national parks.
Bryce Canyon
Like Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon was first conceived of as a state park. Mather felt that it was too small to warrant national park status. It was designated a national monument in 1923 and became a national park in 1928.
If you’re a frequent visitor to Bryce Canyon National Park, chances are good that you may have walked by the Mather Plaque unawares. It is located just outside the Visitor Center entrance, set into a boulder near the flagpole.
Canyonlands
Though Canyonlands National Park was established long after Mather’s death, its development was influenced by Mather’s philosophies and ideals. Mather firmly believed that every national park should have “one good road,” allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery from the comfort of their vehicle.
You’ll need to take a good road through a broken landscape in order to locate Canyonland’s Mather Plaque. If you’re coming south from Moab or north from Monticello, you’ll turn off US 191 onto UT 211. This paved road winds through canyons and “standing up country” before terminating in the southern district of Canyonlands, the Needles.
Once you’re in the more remote and less-visited southern half of the national park, the Mather Plaque isn’t hard to find. Keep your eyes peeled just outside the visitor center entrance.
Zion
The Mather Plaque has had several homes in Zion National Park. It’s final location is just the right fit for those interested in history.
Originally, it was mounted on the River Walk trail. A flash flood carried it away in the 1950s. After being recovered from the mud, it was temporarily placed at the Temple of Sinawava.
It is now mounted on the walkway leading to the Human History Museum. It’s fortunate for many that it has been placed in such a prominent location. Finding it is a requirement for anyone looking to earn their Zion Junior Ranger badge.
The Hunt Continues
Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Canyonlands are the three most visited parks in Utah with Mather Plaques–but they aren’t the only parks.
Two less visited and often overlooked NPS units, Golden Spike National Historic Site and Hovenweep National Monument, are both home to the bronze memorials.
Where are they? I’ll leave finding their location up to you.
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