Ross Ashton Maxwell

Ross Maxwell, a geologist, served as Big Bend National Park’s first superintendent from 1944 to 1952, guiding it through its rugged early years with little money or staff, and no paved roads or electricity. Recognizing the damaging legacy of overgrazing, he organized removal of about 40,000 cows, sheep and goats within his first year at the Park. As another measure to restore Park habitat, he launched fencing projects to bar returning livestock, as well as hunting campaigns against wild burros and horses. In addition to helping heal the Park’s lands, Maxwell later authored influential works describing the geology, history, and natural systems of the area, including The Big Bend of the Rio Grande (1968) and Big Bend Country (1985).