Yosemite Becomes a National Park a Significant Historical Event in United States History

1. What is the history of Yosemite that leads up to the founding of Yosemite as a National Park?

The Southern Sierra Miwok Tribes called the valley Ahwanee, their home. It means Place of Gaping Mouth. Miwok woman with child.

More than 7,000 to 10,000 years ago Indians inhabited the area.

They traded acorns and plants with Mono Lake Paiute for furs. Miwoks gathered acorns from Oak trees.

Non-Indians began arriving in 1830s and the 1840s. Unfortunately, the Mariposa Indian War drove most of the Miwoks out of their beloved valley.

In 1848 the park was over-run by gold seekers. By 1855 tourists arrived to view the beauty and grandeur of the park. Cathedral Peak

Mariposa Grove became the first public preserve.

Yosemite became a national park in 1906.

2. Who are the key figures in the history of Yosemite?

Robert Underwood Johnson, editor of Century magazine, planned a campaign with John Muir to make Yosemite a national park.

John Muir was an environmentalist who fought to have Yosemite become a national park. John Muir (right) meets with President Theodore Roosevelt to discuss making Yosemite a national park.

Galen Clark was known as the guardian of Yosemite. Galen Clark explores the beauty of Yosemite.

3. Why is the designation of 3. Why is the designation of Yosemite as a National Park a significant event in U.S. history?

Tourists began visiting the park in 1855 and it remains a top tourist destination today.

Many tourists visit the park to see the waterfalls. Visitors flock to see the famous Yosemite firefall.

Environmentalists have fought to preserve Yosemite as a natural scenic wonder from the parks beginning to the present.

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