Richard Lieber
Richard Lieber (1869-1944) was the founder of the Indiana's state park system. Born in Düsseldorf, Germany in 1869, Lieber followed his two uncles to Indianapolis in 1891. He was a reporter for the Indiana Tribune before starting a chemical company and a drink bottling company. Inspired by a visit to Yosemite National Park, Leiber became active in the conservation movement and promoted the creation of an Indiana state park system to coincide with the state’s centennial celebration in 1916. He was named the first chairman of the Indiana State Parks Committee and opened McCormick’s Creek and Turkey Run in 1916 without the use of public funds. Lieber championed the creation of a state department of conservation and served as chairman of the new department until 1933. During this time, he oversaw the creation of 10 state parks and five state memorials. He died in 1944 while vacationing at McCormick's Creek's Canyon Inn.
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