The US population has near doubled - and it has expanded greatly to the West - and now the South even as the Midwest has depleted to some degree. Phoenix and Salt Lake City, for example were still largely open desert and prairie. Now, Phoenix is a megapolis. And SLC's boundary now runs 50 miles north to Ogden.
For a giant humongous change see San Diego and even Seattle. My employment sent me across all these towns and many more thru the '60's. Brother, we are crowded!
Where I live my favorite fishing lake and streams are over run. There is a lake that is a 15 mile hike to get to. Some hiking app turned it into a challenge to post a picture to say you have been there and now it is ruined.
The old days are gone. IT is sad but something new is coming. Perhaps it will be better somehow. I hope that for the next generations. Whatever is coming is coming. Today is a good day, enjoy it the best you can.
