Stewart Udall
Stewart Udall: A Life of Public Service and Environmental Advocacy
Full Name and Common Aliases
Stewart Lee Udall was born on January 31, 1920, in St. John's, Arizona Territory (now Arizona), to Thomas and Leah Udall. He is often referred to as "Tom" by friends and family.
Birth and Death Dates
January 31, 1920 - December 20, 2010
Nationality and Profession(s)
American politician, lawyer, author, and environmentalist. Udall served in both the United States House of Representatives (1955-1961) and as Secretary of the Interior (1961-1969).
Early Life and Background
Stewart Udall grew up in Arizona, where his family had settled in the early 1900s. He was the youngest of four children to Thomas and Leah Udall, who were both involved in local politics. Stewart's grandfather, David King Udall, was a prominent Mormon leader and politician who served as a member of the Utah State Legislature.
As a young boy, Udall developed a deep appreciation for nature and the American West. He spent much time exploring the Arizona desert with his family and later attended the University of Arizona, where he studied law.
Major Accomplishments
During his tenure as Secretary of the Interior, Udall played a pivotal role in shaping America's environmental policies. Some of his notable accomplishments include:
Establishing Redwood National Park in California (1968)
Creating the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell (1963-1966)
Signing the Wilderness Act (1964), which protected millions of acres of wilderness areas across the country
As a member of Congress, Udall was a vocal advocate for conservation and environmental protection. He sponsored several key pieces of legislation, including the National Trails System Act (1968) and the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (1968).
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his government service, Udall was also a prolific writer and author. His notable works include:
The Miracle of the Illinois (1947), a novel about the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam
* Stewart L. Udall: The Man Who Gave Us Our National Parks (1988), an autobiography that offers insights into his life and career
Impact and Legacy
Throughout his life, Stewart Udall was committed to preserving America's natural beauty and promoting environmental stewardship. His tireless advocacy helped shape the country's conservation policies and protected millions of acres of wilderness areas.
Today, Udall is remembered as a pioneering figure in American environmental history. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of leaders and activists working towards a more sustainable future.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Stewart Udall's quotes and writings continue to be widely read and referenced due to his insightful perspective on the importance of conservation and environmental protection. As one of the most influential figures in American environmental history, Udall's words remain relevant today, offering a powerful reminder of our responsibility to protect the natural world for future generations.
His legacy serves as a testament to the power of public service and advocacy, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps and work towards creating a more sustainable and equitable society.
Quotes by Stewart Udall

I like the story about Henry David Thoreau, who, when he was on his death bed, his family sent for a minister. The minister said, 'Henry, have you made your peace with God?' Thoreau said, 'I didn't know we'd quarreled.'

If, in our haste to ‘progress,’ the economics of ecology are disregarded by citizens and policy makers alike, the result will be an ugly America. We cannot afford an America where expedience tramples upon esthetics and development decisions are made with an eye only on the present.

I’m trying to encourage my children’s generation and the other ones coming to return to basic American principles.

The most common trait of all primitive peoples is a reverence for the life-giving earth.

Admittedly, we must move ahead with the development of our land resources. Likewise, our technology must be refined. But in the long run life will succeed only in a life-giving environment, and we can no longer afford unnecessary sacrifices of living space and natural landscape to ‘progress.’

I think the Colorado Plateau is the most scenic area in the world – let’s begin with that. Not just the United States.



