Although born in England, grew up in the United States after his family settled in Maryland in 1844. In 1871, Moran accompanied the Geological Survey of Yellowstone National Park, Colorado. In 1872, Moran established himself in New York City. In 1916, Moran moved to Santa Barbara, California where he lived until his death in 1926. His paintings were influential in establishing Yellowstone as the first National Park.