author
Franklin K. Lane
1864–1921
Best known for bringing Progressive Era energy to public service, this Canadian-born American reformer helped shape conservation policy in Washington. His years as Secretary of the Interior also tied his name to the creation of the National Park Service.
2 Audiobooks
The Letters of Franklin K. Lane, Personal and Political
by Franklin K. Lane
About the author
Born near Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, in 1864, he moved with his family to California as a child and built his early career there. He worked as a journalist to help finance his education, studied law, and went on to become active in Democratic politics in San Francisco.
A strong public speaker and reform-minded lawyer, he served as San Francisco city attorney, later joined the Interstate Commerce Commission, and became its chairman. In 1913, President Woodrow Wilson appointed him U.S. Secretary of the Interior, a post he held until 1920.
Lane is often remembered for his practical, progressive approach to government and for his role in conservation policy during a formative period for the American West. He is especially associated with the 1916 creation of the National Park Service, which came during his time at the Interior Department.