In 1915, a Japanese immigrant arrived in Asheville, North Carolina, without knowing that the mountains around the city would eventually become the center of his life. George Masa found work at the Grove Park Inn, learned to navigate a new world and eventually turned photography into far more than a livelihood. His pictures became a powerful way to show others what was worth protecting, as per a report by Appalachian Mountain Club and KFDM News.
Alongside his friend and conservation advocate Horace Kephart, Masa photographed, mapped and documented the Smoky Mountains as the campaign for a national park gathered momentum.
Years later, the park was established. Masa never lived to see it, but the mountains he worked so hard to preserve still carry his name.
How did George Masa come to Asheville?
George Masa was born in Osaka, Japan, around 1889 and likely entered the United States in the early 20th century. The supplied material identifies his birth name as Masahara Iizuka, while later research mentioned in the material identifies Shoji Endo as another name uncovered by researchers.
In 1915, Masa traveled east from San Francisco and arrived in Asheville, North Carolina. His reasons for making the journey remain unknown.
He found work in the laundry room of the Grove Park Inn and was soon promoted to a valet position. The job brought him into contact with wealthy and influential guests. Masa began developing film for them and sharing his own photographs, giving people an early look at his growing photographic ability.
