The 1920s—dubbed the Roaring Twenties—was a decade of dramatic social and cultural change in the United States. It was an era defined by jazz music, flapper fashion, booming industry, and a bold break from traditional norms. Cities grew rapidly, speakeasies flourished, and Prohibition—instituted by the 18th Amendment in 1920—made the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol illegal.

But far from curbing drinking, Prohibition fueled a surge in organized crime, smuggling, and violence. Even the most remote corners of the country weren’t spared, including the newly protected lands of the U.S. national parks.

In 1927, amidst this backdrop of national upheaval, James Alexander Cary, a park ranger at Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas, became the first national park ranger to be murdered in the line of duty.

The outdoors are a beautiful that can be filled with light and bliss and many different ways to bring yourself closer to those you love and yourself. But they can also be filled with terror and death, imminent and oppressive. Join me as we dig into these stories that inspire you to be just a little bit more careful while you’re in the outdoors. Please rate and subscribe from whatever listening platform you use.

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And don’t forget to send us a Campfire Confessional to tragedywithaview@gmail.com - accepting all stories from the outdoors but especially looking for those that make us laugh to help lighten the heaviness that comes with tragedy.