" It is a strange land, full of strange plants.  There is an atmosphere of mystery and strangeness about the whole thing that attracts the attention of all who see the Everglades and will attract the multitude as much as a park like Yellowstone."   These words were spoken by Horace M. Albright, director of the National Park Service, in front of Congress in 1930.  Congress was debating the Everglades National Park Bill which was to decide if the Florida Everglades should become a National Park.   Mr. Albright and other scientists had to explain to Congress in easy terms why the Everglades should be saved for education and inspiration, instead of something exploited for crops or real estate.  The last person to speak to Congress about the Everglades was Ernest Coe.  He presented a slide show to the Congressmen so they could see for themselves the beauty of the Everglades.  On December 18, 1930 the committee adjourned very impressed with what was presented to them.  However, it would take 17 years before the park would be established due to the Depression and World War II.   The Florida Legislature was finally able to get the $2 million necessary to buy the 800,000 acres of land in the park area.  This was the largest contribution of any state for a National Park.  In December 1947, President Harry S. Truman dedicated the park to the use of the people of the United States.  The Everglades National Park was born.