Publication of "Choosing a Vocation" in 1909 has earned Frank Parsons (1854-1908) the distinction of being the founder of the vocational guidance movement in 20th century America. Such designations, often deserving, risk taking events, people, and the movements they endorse out of context, thus reducing their meaning and impact. In this article, the author locates Parsons and the vocational guidance movement in the context of American history. Doing so elucidates a deeper meaning of the origins of modern vocational guidance.