Activity in the Dacks is telling of the USA as a whole

While the early settlements in the Adirondack Park eventually gave way to much of the disruption humans have caused it, I was still intrigued by these great camps and their founding. The main reason I found it so interesting was because it portrayed the early superrich class of the United States in an unusual light. We got to experience these figures through learning about their endeavors in the Park, and how they tried to create a pampered existence in the wilderness. When Henry Wack compares the Durant trio to villas in Europe, claiming its superiority, it was telling about the United States' attitude as a whole. There was still insecurity within the young nation, and the the construction of the great camps serves as another example of how the early American elite sought to show their worth, not just to each other, but to the world. Learning about the history of the great camps not only gives us insight into that region, it also shows us unique circumstances that reflect the early stages and characteristics of the United States. This idea can also be seen in other niches of history. From the Romantics' involvement in the Park to the conflicts with Native Americans, the activity in the Adirondack Park often represents macro problems and attitudes that were affecting the United States as whole.