“TRYING TO SAVE A MEMORY”: REDEEMING THE IMAGE OF THE AMERICAN MUSTANG IN THE 20th CENTURY
Loading...
Date
2021
Authors
Baldwin, Jillian
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Velma B. Johnston helped transform the perception of mustangs during the 1950s and 60s from pest to heritage species. The mustanger culture of the early 20th century, Velma Johnston’s early conservation campaign, and Johnston’s charge towards federal protection for wild mustangs encompass dynamic changes in rangeland management. The west went from primarily utilitarian to holding invaluable national symbols in the form of mustangs. Johnston streamlined the conservation movement by capitalizing on the symbolism of mustangs that were presented in the media. She used terms such as “symbol of freedom” and heritage species to gather nation support for mustang conservation and management. Using magazine publications, news articles, popular media, federal and state legislation, this thesis explores the mustang conservation movement during the early and mid-twentieth century. Understanding the current state of mustang management involved going back through the history of the Wild Free Roaming Horses And Burros Act of 1971.
Description
46 pages
Keywords
History, United States, Environment, Mustangs, Conservation