John Muir, Pioneering Conservationist and Founder of Yosemite National Park, Born in Dunbar.

  • April 21, 1838

John Muir (April 21, 1838 – December 24, 1914), also known as “John of the Mountains” and “Father of the National Parks”, was a Scottish-born American: 42  naturalist, author, environmental philosopher, botanist, zoologist, glaciologist, and early advocate for the preservation of wilderness in the United States.

John Muir’s Birthplace is a four-story stone house in Dunbar, Scotland. His parents were Daniel Muir and Ann Gilrye. He was the third of eight children: Margaret, Sarah, David, Daniel, Ann and Mary (twins), and the American-born Joanna. His earliest recollections were of taking short walks with his grandfather when he was three

John Muir's Birthplace
Muir was born in the small house at left. His father bought the adjacent building in 1842, and made it the family home.