Early 1900s Photographer Explored the Smokies

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George Masa, a Japanese photographer who arrived in Asheville, North Carolina in 1915, explored the Smoky Mountains and captured the region's grandeur in photographs that helped make the case for the creation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Masa's early life in Japan and his time on the West Coast, where he was an avid mountain climber and photographer, have recently come to light, providing new insights into the origins of his passion for the mountains.

Why it matters

Masa's photographs and advocacy played a crucial role in the establishment of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the United States. Understanding Masa's background and early experiences helps to contextualize his important contributions to the park's creation and the preservation of the Smokies' natural beauty.

The details

Growing up in Shizuoka, Japan, Masa developed a love for mountaineering, joining the Japanese Alpine Club in 1905. He later traveled to the United States, where he continued his climbing pursuits, summiting mountains like Mount Rainier and Mount Hood. Masa also began experimenting with photography, capturing his climbing adventures and contributing photographs to publications like The Guardians of the Columbia. When Masa arrived in Asheville in 1915, his boss and hiking friends were unaware of his extensive background in mountaineering and photography.

• Masa joined the Japanese Alpine Club in 1905.
• Masa first tried to enter the US in 1904 but was turned away due to a serious eye infection.
• Masa successfully entered the US in 1905 and spent nearly a decade on the West Coast.
• On September 13, 1909, Masa applied for membership in the Mazamas Club, an alpine club in the Pacific Northwest.
• Masa climbed Mount Rainier, the highest mountain in Washington State, in 1910.

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