CHAPTER XI

_GUARDIANS OF THE SCENE_

In the body of Indian fighters who first entered Yosemite Valley, there

appears to have been but one man who sensed the possibilities of public

good to be derived from the amazing place just discovered. A year prior

to the entry of the Mariposa Battalion, L. H. Bunnell, in climbing the

trail from Ridley’s Ferry (Bagby) to Bear Valley, had descried in the

eastern mountains an immense cliff which, apparently, loomed,

column-like, to the very summit of the range. He looked upon the

“awe-inspiring sight with wonder and admiration, and turned from it with

reluctance to resume the search for coveted gold.”

When, on March 25, 1851, Bunnell stood at Inspiration Point with other

members of Savage’s command and gazed upon the extravagance of natural

wonders, he recognized “the immensity of rock” which had, the previous

year, astonished him from afar. He writes:

Haze hung over the valley—light as gossamer—and clouds partially

dimmed the higher cliffs and mountains. This obscurity of vision but

increased the awe with which I beheld it, and as I looked, a peculiar

exalted sensation seemed to fill my whole being, and I found my eyes

in tears with emotion.

He withdrew from the trail and stationed himself on a projecting rock,

where he might contemplate all that was spread before him. Major Savage,

bringing up the rear of the column, brought him out of his soliloquy in

time to join the battalion in its descent to the floor of the valley.

The party that night discussed the business of naming the valley as they

sat about their first campfire, near the foot of Bridalveil Fall.

Bunnell comments:

It may appear sentimental, but the coarse jokes of the careless, and

the indifference of the practical, sensibly jarred my more devout

feelings, while this subject was a matter of general conversation; as

if a sacred subject had been ruthlessly profaned, or the visible power

of Deity disregarded.

Bunnell’s later discussions with residents of the Mariposa hills and his

very tangible evidence in the form of personal funds expended on the

Coulterville trail to Yosemite, indicate that he was the first to strive

for public recognition of the assets available in the new scenic

wonderland. Other men of the region were understandably slow to develop

aesthetic appreciation for that which only thrilled and produced no

gold.

By 1855 rumor and conjecture regarding the mysteries of the valley had

created sufficient interest among the old residents and the many

newcomers in the mining camps to prompt fascination in J. M. Hutchings

and his story when he returned to Mariposa after his first “scenic

banqueting” under Yosemite walls. With the publication of the Hutchings

articles and the Ayres drawings, curiosity may be said to have become

general, and the trek to the valley was started.

The entire mountain region was, of course, public domain, and, though it

had not been surveyed, it was generally conceded that preëmption claims

could be made upon it. Homesteaders were establishing themselves in

numerous mountain valleys above the gold region, and such “squatting”

was done with the assent of state and federal officers. It is hardly

surprising that some local aspirants laid claim to parts of Yosemite

Valley. The company that expected to develop a water project in 1855 was

apparently the first to attempt to establish rights. Then came the

series of would-be hotel owners, whose activities have been described.

James C. Lamon was a mountaineer who came to Yosemite in 1859 and aided

in the building of the Cedar Cottage. While so engaged, he established

himself in the upper end of Yosemite Valley and there developed the

first bona fide homestead by settlement. For many years his log cabin

was a picturesque landmark in the valley, and today two orchards near

Camp Curry serve as reminders of his pioneering.

With the advent of the ’sixties California began to recognize the

aesthetic value of some of her mountain features. The acclaim of leaders

from the East and the expressed wonder of notables from abroad played a

part in the development of a state pride in the beauties of Yosemite,

and, gradually, it became apparent that only poor statesmanship would

allow private claims to affect an area of such world-wide interest.

On March 28, 1864, Senator John Conness,[18] of California, introduced

in the U. S. Senate a bill to grant to the State of California tracts of

land embracing the Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of Big Trees.

On May 17, his bill was reported out of committee. On the occasion of

the debate which followed, Senator Conness entered into the record of

American conservation the first evidences of national consciousness of

park values as we conceive of them today. He started the long train of

legislative acts which have given the United States the world’s greatest

and most successful system of national parks. It is a fact, of course,

that the Senate action of 1864 did not create a national park but it did

give Federal recognition to the importance of natural reservations in

our cultural scheme, and charged California with the responsibility of

preserving and presenting the natural wonders of the Yosemite.

[Illustration: John Muir]

[Illustration: _By George Fiske_

Galen Clark]

[Illustration: Colonel H. C. Benson]

[Illustration: James M. Hutchings]

[Illustration: _By J. N. LeConte_

Sierra Club Headquarters in Yosemite, 1898]

[Illustration: _By Ansel Adams_

William E. Colby]

Senator Conness explained to the Senate that it was the purpose of his

bill “to commit them [Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of Big

Trees] to the care of the authorities of that State for their constant

preservation, that they may be exposed to public view, and that they may

be used and preserved for the benefit of mankind.... The plan [of

preservation] comes from gentlemen of fortune, of taste, and of

refinement.... The bill was prepared by the commissioner of the General

Land Office, who also takes a great interest in the preservation both of

the Yosemite Valley and the Big Trees Grove.”[19]

The bill was passed by the Senate on May 17, referred to the House

Committee on Public Lands on June 2, debated and passed by the House on

June 29, and signed by President Lincoln on July 1, 1864. These

deliberations, which designated the first scenic reservation for free

public use, were consummated under the stress of waging war.

In order to eliminate friction and delays in the operation of

legislative machinery, proponents of the Yosemite bill secured its

passage without recognition of the private claims made by Yosemite

settlers. Lamon, clearly a bona fide homesteader; Hutchings, who had a

short time before the passage of the act purchased the Upper Hotel

property; Black, the owner of Black’s Hotel; and Ira Folsom, interested

in the Leidig property, pressed their claims and involved the new state

park in prolonged litigation.

The State Park Act provided that the Yosemite Grant and the Mariposa Big

Trees should be managed by a board of commissioners, of whom the

governor of the state was to be one. On September 28, 1864, three months

after the grant was made, Governor F. K. Low proclaimed that trespassing

upon the tracts involved must desist. His board of Yosemite

commissioners was appointed in the same proclamation.

Frederick Law Olmsted, even then an accomplished landscape architect,

was made chairman of the board. As Brockman (1946, p. 106) has revealed

in his article on Olmsted, the chairman was also the first

administrative officer of the Yosemite Grant. Olmsted’s statement of

1890 substantiates this fact: “I had the honor to be made chairman of

the first Yosemite Commission, and in that capacity to take possession

of the Valley for the State, to organize and direct the survey of it and

to be the executive of various measures taken to guard the elements of

its scenery from fires, trespassers and abuse. In the performance of

these duties I visited the Valley frequently, established a permanent

camp in it and virtually acted as its Superintendent.”

Legal acceptance of the gift could not be made until the next session of

the state legislature. On April 2, 1866, the necessary provisions for

administration were secured. The board of commissioners made the best

possible selection of a guardian, the Yosemite pioneer, Galen Clark, and

invited the settlers of the valley to vacate their holdings.

J. M. Hutchings, as might be expected, was wrathy. It is probable that

James Lamon, after eight years of permanent residence on his land, saw

no justice in the act. The other claimants held out for what might be in

it. Hutchings and Lamon refused to surrender their property, and a test

suit was brought against Hutchings, which was decided in his favor. This

was carried to the supreme court of the state and then to the federal

Supreme Court. In these last actions the commissioners were sustained.

That Hutchings and Lamon were deserving of consideration and

remuneration cannot be denied, but millions of Americans are today

indebted to the board of commissioners who pursued the case to a

settlement favorable to the people. Private titles of the type held by

the Yosemite Valley settlers would have been disastrous to all

administration in the years that were to come.

On the other hand, Hutchings and Lamon were deserving of certain

sympathy. No man had done more than J. M. Hutchings to call attention to

the fact that the Yosemite was a wonderland, eminently worthy of the

distinction bestowed upon it by the state. For a decade prior to the

creation of the state park, he had devoted himself to disseminating

knowledge on its “charming realities.” Much of this was done through his

_California Magazine_ and the lithographic reproductions of the Ayres

drawings. Some of it was accomplished with his volume, _Scenes of

Wonder_, which ran through several editions. The many published

testimonials of his worth as guide and informant while operating his

Hutchings House in Yosemite Valley indicate that his efforts to engender

a public love for the place were not spared even after his difficulties

arose with the state. And, finally, during the ten-year fight for

reimbursement he lectured throughout the country, bringing home to the

dwellers in Eastern cities the fact that a phenomenally beautiful area

in California was worthy of their visit. Some of the manuscripts of

these Eastern lectures are possessed by the Yosemite Museum. Their text

reveals none of the commercialism and selfishness with which Hutchings

sometimes has been charged.

The earnest efforts which Hutchings had expended in interesting the

public in Yosemite had not failed to create an interest in him as well.

The court had refused further consideration of the claims of the

settlers, but the state legislature, influenced by public feeling and

the expressed approval of the Yosemite commissioners, appropriated

$60,000 to compensate the four claimants. Of this Hutchings received

$24,000; Lamon, $12,000; Black, $13,000; Folsom, $6,000, and the

remaining $5,000 was returned to the State Treasury. Because of this

prolonged litigation, the commissioners did not secure full control of

the grant until 1875.

To what extent such troubles would dissipate the best directed efforts

of a board of managers of any business can well be imagined. Further

difficulties developed when road privileges were granted. The state

legislature failed to sustain the position of the commissioners in the

matter of exclusive rights for a road on the north side of the valley,

and again a controversy arose which directed heated criticism upon the

management of the state park. Public hostility alternated with general

indifference. The state failed to provide adequate funds with which to

accomplish the important work before the commissioners, and the lack of

a well-defined policy handicapped the administration to a point of ruin.

In 1880 a new law removed the first board and appointed a new one.

The next decade saw important developments take place in the park, but

policies adopted were sure to displease someone or some faction.

Criticism still prevailed. Gradually the seethings of the press brought

about the development of intelligent public interest in Yosemite

affairs. Indifference was replaced by discriminating attention, and

Yosemite administration arrived in a new era.

In these pages not enough has been said about John Muir. His

contributions to the preservation of Yosemite National Park, to the

determination of scientific facts regarding it, and to public

understanding of its offerings place him in the front rank of

conservationists who have been instrumental in saving representative

parts of the American heritage. The role he played as explorer,

researcher, interpreter, and defender of the public interests in the

Yosemite may well become the subject of another book of Muiriana;

however, at this juncture, it is only possible to relate him rather

inequitably to the field of Yosemite administrative history.

John Muir arrived in Yosemite for the first time in 1868. Intent upon

making deliberate studies of all that fascinated him, he determined to

remain a resident of the Yosemite region. In order to do so, he attached

himself to a sheep ranch. He gave the first winter to work on the

foothill ranch and the next summer to herding in the Yosemite Sierra.

With the intimate acquaintance so made with sheep and their ways, he was

destined to create a wave of public interest in Yosemite that would

eclipse all former attentions and revolutionize the administrative

scheme.

For eight years after his first Sierra experience, John Muir rambled

over his “Range of Light.” He tarried for some time in Yosemite Valley

and was employed by J. M. Hutchings, at times, to operate a sawmill,

which Muir immortalized merely by inhabiting it.

Some impression of his first employment in Yosemite Valley and his early

outlook upon the Yosemite scene may be gained from these paragraphs of

his memoirs published by Badè.[20]

“I had the good fortune to obtain employment from Mr. Hutchings in

building a sawmill to cut lumber for cottages, that he wished to build

in the spring, from the fallen pines which had been blown down in a

violent wind-storm a year or two before my arrival. Thus I secured

employment for two years, during all of which time I watched the varying

aspect of the glorious Valley, arrayed in its winter robes; the descent

from the heights of the booming, out-bounding avalanches like

magnificent waterfalls; the coming and going of the noble storms; the

varying songs of the falls; the growth of frost crystals on the rocks

and leaves and snow; the sunshine sifting through them in rainbow

colors; climbing every Sunday to the top of the walls for views of the

mountains in glorious array along the summit of the range, etc.

“I boarded with Mr. Hutchings’ family, but occupied a cabin that I built

for myself near the Hutchings’ winter home. This cabin, I think, was the

handsomest building in the Valley, and the most useful and convenient

for a mountaineer. From the Yosemite Creek, near where it first gathers

its beaten waters at the foot of the fall, I dug a small ditch and

brought a stream into the cabin, entering at one end and flowing out the

other with just current enough to allow it to sing and warble in low,

sweet tones, delightful at night while I lay in bed. The floor was made

of rough slabs, nicely joined and embedded in the ground. In the spring

the common pteris ferns pushed up between the joints of the slabs, two

of which, growing slender like climbing ferns on account of the subdued

light, I trained on threads up the sides and over my window in front of

my writing desk in an ornamental arch. Dainty little tree frogs

occasionally climbed the ferns and made fine music in the night, and

common frogs came in with the stream and helped to sing with the Hylas

and the warbling, tinkling water. My bed was suspended from the rafters

and lined with libocedrus plumes, altogether forming a delightful home

in the glorious Valley at a cost of only three or four dollars, and I

was loath to leave it.”

When he was not running Hutchings’ mill, he was making lonely trips of

discovery or guiding visitors above the valley walls. Perhaps Muir knew

of the use he would make of the natural history data he was gathering,

but few of his associates sensed the fact that he would soon make the

nation quicken with new views of Yosemite values.

He first made his influence felt in the early ’seventies, when he began

publishing on Yosemite in journals and periodicals. His material

awakened responses everywhere. On February 5, 1876, he published an

article in the _Sacramento Record Union_ which was one of the initial

steps in his forceful appeal to America to save the Yosemite high

country from the devastations of sheep and the incendiary fires of

sheepherders.

It is likely that few who today enjoy the Yosemite High Sierra realize

that sheep, “hoofed locusts,” were responsible for the creation of

Yosemite National Park. The people of California, awakened to the danger

by the warnings of Muir and others, attempted to secure an enlargement

of the state park. Selfish local interests frustrated the plan. In 1889,

John Muir allied himself with the _Century Magazine_, and a plan was

launched which was designed to arouse a public sentiment that could not

be shunted. Muir produced the magic writings, and Robert Underwood

Johnson, editor of the _Century_, secured the support of influential men

in the East. On October 1, 1890, a law was enacted which set aside an

area, larger than the present park, as “reserved forest lands.” Within

this reserve were the state-controlled Yosemite and Mariposa Grove

grants.

The reactions of residents of the regions adjacent to the new national

park to this legislation was typical of the period. Citizens of the

counties affected could not foresee the coming of unbroken streams of

automobile traffic, which eventually would bring millions of dollars to

their small marts of trade. The thought of losing some thousands of

acres of taxable land caused county seats to seethe with unrest. The

local press painted pictures of dejected prospects and near ruin. The

following summary of a lengthy wail from a contemporary paper reveals

the fears that prevailed:

Let us summarize the result of our analysis. On the one side, we have

932,600 acres of land taken away from the control and use of the

people at large, and of the people of Mariposa, Tuolumne, Mono, and

Fresno counties in particular, for the ostensible purpose of

preserving timber, mineral deposits, and natural curiosities or

wonders within said reservation—for whose benefit, the act does not

say, but presumably for the benefit of tourists.

On the other side, we find: That the avowed object of preserving

forests appears to be only a false pretense to cover up the real

object of the scheme, whatever it may be—that to preserve mineral

deposits will prevent untold treasures from being employed in industry

and commerce, and prevent the employment of thousands for many years

to come in the exploration of these mineral deposits—that to preserve

natural curiosities and wonders, it is not necessary to fling away

nearly a million acres of land, when all that is necessary can be

accomplished by attaching to each wonder as much land, as, through

natural formation, contributes in any measure towards its

maintenance—that, if on the one hand, these claims are respected, it

will condemn hundreds of American settlers to poverty, if, on the

other hand, these claims are bought out, it will entail an expense of

many millions on the country, whilst the claimants, themselves, will

never receive anything like the amount their properties would be

worth, in the course of time, if this part of the country is left to

its own development without Government interference, and all the

settlements now existing will be left to fall into decay and ruin, or

will have to be worked by a system of tenantry, a curse, as

contemporary history shows, which ought never be allowed to take root

in our country.

The preservation of the full watershed of the Yosemite Valley is not

only a legitimate, but a desirable object; the same holds good with

the Hetch-Hetchy Valley, or any other grand work of nature. Every

alienation of land, beyond this, is of evil.

This local feeling resulted in immediate attempts to change the park

boundaries. The first attempt was frustrated largely through the efforts

of the Sierra Club. This organization came into existence shortly after

Yosemite National Park was created and has always been one of the most

important agencies that have promoted the safety of Yosemite treasures.

Its publication, the _Sierra Club Bulletin_, which first appeared in

1893, is a rich source of Yosemite history. For twenty-two years John

Muir was the president of the club. His vim in leaping to the defense of

the great natural preserve was no less than had been his vigor in

working for its creation. Muir aided in the preservation of national

monuments as well. In early May, 1903, Theodore Roosevelt, then

president, visited Yosemite via Raymond and the Mariposa Grove. Governor

George C. Pardee, Benjamin Ide Wheeler, president of the University of

California, and John Muir were among those who interpreted the scene for

the President. Conservation matters were discussed by Muir and the

legislation which was to become famous as the Antiquities Act of 1906

was given some definition at this time. It was truly an important

occasion.

Chief among the Sierra Club defenders of Yosemite who have carried on

since the death of Muir is William E. Colby. He served forty-four years

as secretary of the organization, two years as president, and is now, as

a director, a frequently sought source of counsel. He led the club’s

summer outings for more than three decades. Throughout this period Colby

has unceasingly built the Sierra Club’s prestige in the field of

conservation. For the past six years he has served as a member of the

Yosemite Advisory Board, and has been in close touch with past and

current park problems.

The failure of the national government to provide funds with which to

extinguish private claims within the park involved the administration in

difficulties which are being felt even yet. By 1904 relations between

administrative officers and the large number of owners of private

holdings had become so strained that legal action was imperative.

Boundary revisions were required. Major Hiram M. Chittenden headed the

commission appointed to investigate possible boundary changes. Upon the

recommendation of this commission large areas on the east and west were

lopped off. In 1906 a tract on the southwest was cut off, and since that

time small changes have been rather numerous. Private lands still exist

within the park and constitute an ever-present source of trouble.

From the first the control of Yosemite National Park has been vested in

the Secretary of the Interior. Immediately after the passage of the act

of creation, military units were detailed to take charge of all national

park lands. The state retained its plan of administration of the

original Yosemite Grant, and so came about the dual control which for

sixteen years colored the Yosemite administration with petty

misunderstandings and hindered progress in the maintenance of the entire

region.

Galen Clark’s old ranch (Wawona) became headquarters for the Acting

Superintendent of the federal preserve. From this eccentric hub, patrols

of cavalrymen were sent into the unbounded wilderness area of the new

preserve. A trail system and accurate maps did not exist. One of the

first undertakings of the early superintendents was to make the rough

country accessible by horse trail. The topography was studied, and a

good map was prepared. Following the practice established in Yellowstone

National Park, patrolling stations were established, and the United

States Army had the safety of Yosemite’s fauna and flora fairly within

its keeping.

Since pioneer days, sheep and cattlemen had enjoyed unrestricted use of

the excellent range which was now forbidden them. Naturally they were

reluctant to abandon it. Their trespass was the most formidable threat

with which the troopers were confronted, and concerted, ingenious work

was necessary to expel the intruders. When the first culprits were taken

into custody, it was found that no law provided for their punishment.

Congress had failed to provide a penalty for the infraction of park

rules. Nothing daunted, the superintendents put the captured herders

under arrest and escorted them across the most mountainous regions to a

far boundary of the park. There they were liberated. The herder’s sheep

were driven out of the reserve at another distant point. By the time the

herder had located his animals, his losses usually were so great as to

represent a more severe punishment than could have been meted out by the

court had the law applied. Several years of this practice caused

neighboring ranchers to keep their animals out of the forbidden

territory.

Captain Abram Epperson Wood was the first superintendent. With

detachments from the Fourth Cavalry he arrived in the park on May 19,

1891, and continued in charge until his death in 1894. Each year the

troopers came in April or May and withdrew in the fall. During the

winter two civilian rangers attempted to patrol the area. With such

inadequate winter protection, it is small wonder that poachers grew to

feel that the wild life of the reserve was their legitimate prey. It was

not until 1896, in fact, that a determined effort was made to keep

firearms out of the park at any time of the year.

For twenty-three years the Department of the Interior continued to call

upon the War Department for assistance in administering Yosemite

National Park. Eighteen army officers took their turn at the helm. Some

of them assumed leadership after some years of Yosemite experience as

subordinate officers. Others were placed in command with no previous

service in the park. Lieutenant (later Colonel) Harry C. Benson and

Major W. W. Forsyth were perhaps the most distinguished of the

superintendents. Benson was certainly more than a superintendent; he was

an explorer, map maker, trail builder, fish planter, and nemesis of the

sheepmen. Among the subordinate officers and enlisted men a number left

their mark by way of accomplishments. N. F. McClure and Milton F. Davis

are remembered for their explorations and excellent map making. William

F. Breeze and W. R. Smedberg worked with McClure and Benson in stocking

the headwaters of the Yosemite rivers with trout. A. Arndt pioneered in

exploration of some of the northern sections of the park. Many others in

the military organizations are remembered in place names throughout the

Yosemite High Sierra.

Yosemite was fortunate in having within its National Park Service

personnel one man, Gabriel Sovulewski,[21] who pioneered with these army

units and who was acting superintendent of the park in 1908-1909 and

again in 1914. For thirty-five years Mr. Sovulewski was actively engaged

in caring for Yosemite. An unpublished manuscript on his National Park

Service experiences is preserved in the Yosemite Museum. Within it he

comments upon the Yosemite work of United States troops.

National Parks in California, and Yosemite especially, owe much to the

late Colonel H. C. Benson. No one who has not participated in those

strenuous years of hard riding and incessant fighting of natural and

human obstacles can ever realize the need for indomitable spirit and

unselfish devotion to a cause that existed during those first years in

Yosemite National Park. Sheep and cattle overran the country. They

were owned by men who knew every foot of the terrain. We were ordered

to eliminate them. There were few or no trails, and maps did not

exist. Reliable guides were unobtainable, and we had more than a

thousand square miles to cover.

Officers with detachments set out upon patrols that would keep them

away from our base of supplies for thirty days at a time. Many times

rations were short, and sixteen to twenty hours of action per day,

covering sixty miles in the saddle was not unusual. Constant hammering

at the offending cattlemen continued for several years, and at last

they were convinced that they must vacate the territory set aside for

National Park purposes. The would-be poachers and the entire

countryside were taught a moral lesson which still has its effect

today. Some of the present-day administrative problems are made easier

because of the foundation laid in those first years of the park’s

existence.

The duplication of effort and expense which resulted from the anomaly of

state and federal administration within the reserve brought about

controversies which finally caused many Californians to conclude that

their Yosemite State Grant of 1864 might well be placed in the hands of

the federal government, to be managed by the same officers who

controlled the surrounding national park. The Sierra Club and many civic

organizations took the lead in urging recession. Not a few citizens felt

that the proposed move was an affront to state pride. This group proved

to be an obstacle but was overcome in 1905, when the state legislature

re-ceded to the United States the Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Big

Tree Grove. A formal acceptance by Congress brought the Yosemite State

Park to an end on August 1, 1906. Major Benson removed military

headquarters from Camp A. E. Wood (Wawona), and Fort Yosemite came into

existence on the site of the present Yosemite Lodge.

For seven years the administrative organization set up by the military

continued to function. The succeeding superintendents found their

responsibilities increased considerably. Other national parks were

coming into existence, and a national conscience was beginning to

recognize the value of wilderness preserves. In 1910 the American Civic

Association had launched a campaign for the creation of a national park

bureau. President Taft favored central administration of the parks, and

bills were introduced creating such a bureau. Major William T.

Littebrant was in command in Yosemite when Dr. Adolph C. Miller, a

civilian, became assistant to Secretary Lane and was placed in charge of

the national parks. The next year troops did not come to Yosemite. Mark

Daniels was made superintendent, and civilian employees undertook the

work that had been done by the troopers.

A few civilian rangers had assumed the care of the park each winter when

troops were withdrawn. Archie O. Leonard had been the first of these and

he remained in the service when the administrative change was made. In

1914 “park rangers” came into existence under authorization of Secretary

Lane. They patrolled the park as had the troopers, but, unlike the

troopers, they remained in touch with their problems throughout the

year.

In 1916 Congress created the National Park Service. Dr. Miller, in the

meantime, had been called to other work, and Stephen T. Mather, who had

followed Dr. Miller as assistant to the secretary, was made Director of

the National Park Service. He was authorized by law to “promote and

regulate the federal areas known as the national parks, monuments, and

reservations.” Conservation of scenery and wildlife of the areas was

declared by Congress to be a fundamental purpose of the new

organization. Mr. Mather’s first undertaking was to balk exploitation

schemes. Unfortunately, Yosemite had already been raided. In 1913

Congressman John E. Raker had introduced a bill granting to San

Francisco rights to the Hetch Hetchy as a water reservoir. Secretary

Garfield had opened the way to this move in 1908. In spite of much

opposition, the Raker Bill was passed by the House and Senate and

approved by President Wilson. Since that time the Hetch Hetchy dam has

become a reality and provides all the administrative difficulties and

troubles that were expected.[22]

Private holdings in Yosemite were rather large even after the boundary

changes of 1905 and 1906 were made. Timber companies possessing tracts

of choice forest constituted the greatest menace. Some of these private

lands have been bought up, and others have been exchanged.

During 1930 much progress was made in the acquisition of private

holdings in the national park. There were 15,570 acres of land involved,

which cost approximately $3,300,000. Half of the cost of purchasing

these lands was defrayed by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., the remainder

coming from the fund provided by Congress for the acquisition of private

holdings in national parks.

The following statements regarding timber holdings in and near Yosemite

National Park are taken from the Report of the Director of National Park

Service for 1930:

It is impossible to overestimate the importance of this Yosemite

forest acquisition. It brought into perpetual Government ownership the

finest remaining stands of sugar-pine timber in the area and reduced

the total area of private holdings in that park to 5,034 acres. This

total will be materially reduced when two pending deals are

consummated. A tract containing 640 acres is now in course of

acquisition with funds contributed by George A. Ball, of Muncie,

Indiana, as is another of about 380 acres, half the funds for the

latter transaction being contributed through the co-operation of Dr.

Don Tresidder, president of the Yosemite Park and Curry Company.

Additional timber holdings in the Tuolumne River watershed—fine stands

of sugar and yellow pine—remain in private ownership outside the park.

One cannot help regretting that they are imperiled, and it is hoped by

all friends of these majestic forests that they may yet be saved.

In order that the beauty of the Big Oak Flat Road may be unimpaired,

arrangements have been made between the Sugar Pine Lumber Co., the

Forest Service, the State, and the Park Service to preserve the

roadsides through selective cutting of the larger trees and careful

removal of any trees that are taken out. Particularly interesting and

valuable stands of timber which should be preserved untouched will be

made the subject of exchanges between the Forest Service and the Sugar

Pine Lumber Co.

This land acquisition program was finally assured of success in July,

1937, when legislation authorized the Secretary of the Interior to

acquire the Carl Inn Tract, comprising some 7,200 acres of magnificent

sugar pine forest bordering the western boundary of the park. After a

year and a half of negotiations with the Yosemite Sugar Pine Lumber

Company, owner of most of the tract, agreement was reached on a price of

$1,495,500 to be paid by the United States. The purchase was consummated

early in 1939. Senator William Gibbs McAdoo and Representative John S.

McGroarty, both of California, were the ardent supporters who introduced

the bills, S. 1791 and H.R. 5394, in their respective houses.

Policies regarding the toll roads by which tourists could enter the park

constituted another perplexing problem with which the young National

Park Service was confronted. The routes had been privately constructed

and were privately owned and controlled by turnpike companies.

Government funds were not available with which to purchase them

outright. One company was persuaded to turn the Wawona Road over the

public in exchange for a grant for the exclusive rights to the route

during a certain number of years. The government assumed responsibility

for the maintenance of the road during this period. The owners of the

Coulterville Road could not be persuaded to agree to such a plan. As a

result, that part of it which is within the park has not been maintained

and, because of erosion, has fallen into disuse.

The Tioga Road had been constructed in 1882-1883 by the Great Sierra

Consolidated Silver Mining Company for the purpose of serving the Tioga

Mine. The mining venture terminated in 1884 after an expenditure of

$300,000 had been made. The road had become impassable during the many

years of neglect, but it was still the property of private owners when

the region through which it passes became a national park. Stephen T.

Mather and some of his friends bought it privately and in 1915 turned it

over to the federal government. The state of California purchased the

portions of the route which were outside of the park and extended the

road eastward, down Leevining Canyon, so giving Yosemite a remarkable

high mountain highway, free from toll, which connects Yosemite Valley

with the routes of the Mono basin. Tolls were also removed from the Big

Oak Flat route. Every effort was made to put all recognized routes in

the best of condition consistent with government appropriations. Travel

to the park grew apace, and Yosemite had, indeed, entered a new era.

The first scheme of centralized administration of the national park

system was promising in theory but proved faulty in practice. More than

a few difficulties appeared on the parks horizon. The national preserves

were regarded in Washington somewhat as orphans and were not receiving

the specialized attention so necessary for their proper administration.

The introduction of Mather ideals and methods was required to bring

about coördination.

The story is told that one day in 1915 Stephen Mather walked into the

office of Secretary Lane and expressed indignation over the way things

were run in Sequoia and Yosemite.

“Steve,” said Lane, “if you don’t like the way those parks are run, you

can run them yourself.”

“Mr. Secretary, I accept the job,” was Mather’s rejoinder.

[Illustration: _By J. V. Lloyd_

W. B. Lewis and Stephen T. Mather]

[Illustration: _By J. N. LeConte_

A Presidential Party at the Grizzly Giant Pardee Roosevelt Muir

Wheeler]

[Illustration: _By J. N. LeConte_

Hetch Hetchy Valley before Inundation]

[Illustration: _By J. N. LeConte_

Devils Postpile, Excluded from Yosemite in 1905]

The genial Secretary of the Interior showed him into a little office and

said, “There’s your desk, Steve; now go to work.” With that Lane went

out and closed the door, but presently opened it and said, “By the way,

Steve, I forgot to ask what your politics are.”

With such brief preliminaries did Stephen T. Mather assume directorship

of the national parks. He served through the presidential

administrations of Wilson, Harding, and Coolidge, but the matter of his

politics was never inquired into by any party.

Stephen Mather was born on the Fourth of July, 1867, in San Francisco.

His ancestry traces back to Richard Mather, a Massachusetts clergyman of

the days of the Pilgrim Fathers. Stephen T. Mather was not a scion of

wealth. As a young man, he made his way through college by selling

books. He graduated from the University of California in 1887 and for

several years was a newspaper reporter. Thereafter, he entered the

employ of the Pacific Coast Borax Company and was identified with the

trade name, “Twenty-Mule Team Borax,” that became well known around the

world. For ten years he engaged in the production of profits for his

employers and then organized his own company. It was in borax that he

built up his business success and accumulated the fortune which “he

later shared so generously with the nation through his investments in

scenic beauty on which the people receive the dividends.”

For more than twenty-five years Stephen Mather resided in Chicago,

Illinois, but his loyalty to his native state, California, never waned.

He was the leading spirit in the organization of the California Society

of Illinois and, as its secretary, always secured donations of a carload

of choice California fruits to be served at the Society’s annual

banquets. Mather then saw to it that these affairs were well written up

by the press and telegraphed throughout the country on the Associated

Press wires. In this publicity the spirit and motives of the present

Californians, Inc., had their birth.

As might well be expected, Mather was a member of the Sierra Club and

participated in many of its summer outings. (See Farquhar, 1925, pp.

52-53.) He became acquainted with national park areas on these trips,

and it is said that his ideal of a unified administration of the parks

resulted from the intimacies so acquired. It was his ambition to weld

the parks into a great system and to make them easily accessible to rich

and poor alike.

At the time Mather undertook his big task, there were thirteen parks.

Some of them were difficult of access and provided few or no facilities

for the accommodation of visitors. Government red tape stood in the way

of action in the business of park development, but Mather cut the red

tape. When government appropriations could not meet the situation, he

usually produced “appropriations of his own.” It was such generosity on

his part which gave the Tioga Road to the government and saved large

groves of Big Trees in the Sequoia National Park. In his own office it

was necessary for him personally to employ assistants. Because of the

lack of government funds, he expended twice his own salary in securing

the personnel needed to set his parks machine in operation. The national

benefits derived from the early Mather activity in the parks were

recognized by Congress, and that body took new cognizance of national

park matters. Larger appropriations were made available, and Mather’s

plans were put into effect.

For fourteen years he gave of his initiative and strength, as well as

his money. His ideas took material form, and the park system came into

being as he had planned. His work was recognized and appreciated. In

1921 George Washington University bestowed upon him the honorary degree

of Doctor of Law. His alma mater, the University of California,

conferred the same degree in 1924. President W. W. Campbell on that

occasion characterized him as follows:

“Stephen Tyng Mather, mountaineer and statesman; lover of Nature and his

fellow-men; with generous and farseeing wisdom he has made accessible

for a multitude of Americans their great heritage of snow-capped

mountains, of glaciers and streams and falls, of stately forests and

quiet meadows.”

In 1926 he was awarded the gold medal of the National Institute of

Social Sciences for his service to the nation in national parks

development. The American Scenic and Historical Preservation Society

awarded the Pugsley gold medal in recognition of his national and state

park work, and he was made an honorary member of the American Society of

Landscape Architects.[23]

In the fall of 1928, Mather’s health failed. He suffered a stroke of

paralysis which forced his retirement from public service in January,

1929. For more than a year he fought to regain his strength but in

January, 1930, he was suddenly stricken and died quickly. Indeed, “the

world is much the poorer for his passing, as it is much the richer for

his having lived.”

One of Mather’s first acts as Director of the National Park Service was

to appoint a strong man to the superintendency of Yosemite National

Park. On the staff of the Geological Survey was an engineer of

distinction, Washington B. (“Dusty”) Lewis. Mather appointed him to the

Yosemite task and he became the first park superintendent on March 3,

1916. The Yosemite problems were complicated and trying from the

beginning. The park was, even then, attracting more visitors than had

been provided for. Public demands kept steadily ahead of facilities that

could be made available through government appropriations. For more than

twelve years W. B. Lewis expended his energy and ingenuity in bringing

the great park through its formative stages.

Under his superintendency practically all the innovations which today

characterize the public service of a national park were instituted in

Yosemite. Motor buses replaced horse-drawn stages; tolls were eliminated

on all approach roads; the operating companies were reorganized and

adequate tourist accommodations were provided at Glacier Point and

Yosemite Valley; a modern school was provided for local children; the

housing for park employees was improved; the best of electrical service

was made available; the park road and trail system was enlarged greatly

and improved upon; the construction of an all-year highway up the canyon

of the Merced made the park accessible to a degree hardly dreamed of;

provision of all-year park facilities met the demands of winter

visitors; a new administrative center was developed; the Yosemite High

Sierra Camps were opened; and an information service was devised. The

ranger force was so organized as to make for public respect of national

park ideals and personnel. The interpretive work, which makes for

understanding of park phenomena and appreciation of park policies, was

initiated in Yosemite and has taken a place of importance in the

organization of the entire national park system.

In short, the present-day Yosemite came into existence under the hands

of Lewis and his assistants. How well the demands of the period were met

and future requirements provided for is evidenced by the continued

healthy growth and present success of the Yosemite administrative

scheme.

In the fall of 1927 Lewis was stricken by a heart attack. He later

returned to his office, but in September, 1928, it became apparent that

he should no longer subject himself to the strain of work at the high

altitude of Yosemite Valley. He removed to West Virginia, and there

partly regained his strength. Director Mather then sought his services

as Assistant Director of the National Parks, and in that capacity he

functioned until the summer of 1930. His physical strength, however,

failed to keep pace with his ambitious spirit, and after another attack,

he died at his home in a Washington suburb on August 28, 1930.

Soon after Lewis accepted his Washington appointment, Director Mather

experienced the breakdown which brought about his resignation as

Director. There was but one man to be thought of in connection with

filling the difficult position. That man was Horace M. Albright, who had

been Mather’s right-hand man since the National Park Service had

existed. A native of Inyo County, California, and a graduate of the

University of California, he became an assistant attorney in the

Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C., in order to advance his

learning, and there took a keen interest in plans then developing for

the establishment of the National Park Service. He was detailed to work

in connection with park problems and had already become familiar with

them when Stephen T. Mather assumed their directorship. The Secretary of

the Interior assigned him to Mather as a legal aid, which position

quickly grew in responsibilities as the two men became acquainted. From

the first, Albright was the Director’s chief reliance, and when the

National Park Service was organized in 1916, he was made Assistant

Director. In 1917, 1918, and 1919 he aided in the creation of Mount

McKinley, Grand Canyon, Acadia,[24] and Zion national parks. At

twenty-nine, he was made superintendent of the largest of all parks,

Yellowstone, and in addition shouldered the job of Field Director of the

Park Service. In that capacity he compiled budgets, presented them to

congress, and handled general administrative problems in the West.

Outstanding among his special interests in park problems was his

vigorous participation in programs launched to conserve and reëstablish

the native fauna of national parks. He gained an intimate understanding

of the needs of American wild life and actively engaged in attempts to

supply its wants. He allied himself with such organizations as the

National Geographic Society, the American Game Protective Association,

the American Forestry Association, the American Bison Society, the

American Society of Mammalogists, the Boone and Crockett Club, the

Save-the-Redwoods League, and the Sierra Club. He became an expressive

factor in American conservation and in his own domain, the national

parks, practiced what he preached. He recognized the importance of

ecological study of the great wilderness areas, with the safety of which

he was charged, and pressed into service a special investigator to work

on Yellowstone mammal problems. Later he seized upon the opportunity to

extend this research to all parks. In keeping with his desire to

assemble scientific data for the preservation of fauna and flora, he had

an ambition to popularize the natural sciences as exemplified in the

varied park wonderlands. He engaged actively in the development of plans

for the museum, lecture, and guide service which today distinguishes the

national parks as educational centers as well as pleasure grounds.

Upon the resignation of Director Mather in 1929, it was but natural that

Albright should succeed him. He entered into the Yosemite administrative

scheme by actual residence in the park and study of its problems. From

the Yosemite personnel he drew new executives for other parks, field

officers for the service at large, and administrative assistants for his

Washington office. He turned to Crater Lake National Park to obtain a

superintendent who would succeed Lewis. Colonel C. G. Thomson had

distinguished himself as the chief executive of Crater Lake and in 1929

was called to Yosemite.

Some of the developments in Yosemite for which Thomson was largely

responsible included the construction and improvements of the Wawona

Road and Tunnel, improvement of the Glacier Point Road, commencement of

the Big Oak Flat Road and Tioga Road realignment, the installation of

improved water systems at the Mariposa Big Trees, Wawona, and Tuolumne

Meadows, construction of the new Government Utility Building, and many

smaller projects. Such important land acquisition programs as the Wawona

Basin project and the Carl Inn sugar pine addition constituted heavy

administrative responsibilities imposed upon the superintendent’s office

during his regime. The establishment of “emergency programs,” C.C.C.,

C.W.A., W.P.A., and P.W.A., greatly expanded the developmental

activities in the park after 1933, and the inclusion of the Devils

Postpile National Monument and Joshua Tree National Monument in the

Yosemite administrative scheme increased the duties of the

superintendent.

In 1937, Colonel Thomson was stricken by a heart ailment and died in the

Lewis Memorial Hospital on March 23. In eulogy, Frank A. Kittredge said:

“Colonel Thomson has, through his dynamic personality and energy and the

wealth of his experience, been an influence and inspiration not only to

the thousands of Park visitors with whom he has had personal contact,

but especially to the Park Service itself. His keen sense of the fitness

and desire for the harmony of things in the national parks has made

itself felt in the design of every road, every structure, and every

physical development in the Park. He recognized the importance and

practicability of restricting and harmonizing necessary roads and

structures into a natural blending of the surroundings. He has set a

standard of beauty and symmetry in construction which has been carried

beyond the limits of Yosemite into the entire National Park system. The

harmony of the necessary man-made developments and the unspoiled beauty

of the Yosemite Valley attest to the Colonel’s injection of his

refinement of thought and forceful personality, into even the

everlasting granite itself of the Yosemite he loved so well.”

In June, 1937, Lawrence Campbell Merriam, a native Californian, was

transferred to the superintendency of Yosemite National Park. He had

received a degree in forestry from the University of California in 1921,

had become a forest engineer, and had later gone into emergency

conservation work in the state parks throughout the United States. Upon

the death of Thomson, Secretary of the Interior Harold L. Ickes

appointed Merriam Senior Conservationist in the National Park Service

and designated him Acting Superintendent of Yosemite.

During his four years as the chief executive of the park he renewed the

service’s efforts to restore the natural appearance of the valley, and

modified the master plan to provide suitable areas for the operators’

utilities.

In August, 1941, Merriam became Regional Director of Region Two,

National Park Service, with headquarters at Omaha, Nebraska. Frank A.

Kittredge succeeded him in Yosemite.

During World War I, Kittredge served as an officer in the Army Corps of

Engineers and saw service in France. Afterward, while with the Bureau of

Public Roads, he was identified with park work; he made the location

survey of the Going-to-the-Sun Highway in Glacier National Park, did the

first road engineering in Hawaii National Park, and devoted his

attention to national park road matters handled by the Bureau.

In 1927, Kittredge was appointed chief engineer of the National Park

Service and continued in that capacity for ten years, when he was made

Regional Director, Region Four, a position involving supervision over

Park Service programs in Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada,

and Utah; Glacier National Park in Montana; and the territories of

Alaska and Hawaii. In August, 1940, he was made Superintendent of Grand

Canyon National Park, from which position he was transferred in 1941 to

the chief executive position in Yosemite National Park. In all this

varied experience with the scenic masterpieces of the national park

system, Frank Kittredge maintained a sincerity of purpose in

safeguarding the natural and historic values of the parks.

As was true of Mather and Albright, succeeding directors of the National

Park Service have taken personal interest and active part in the

management of Yosemite National Park. On July 17, 1933, Arno B.

Cammerer, formerly Associate Director, succeeded Albright in the

Washington post. During his incumbency, 1933-1940, the national park

system increased from 128 areas to 204 units, and in addition to regular

appropriations, nearly 200 million dollars was expended by the Service

in connection with the programs of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the

Public Works Administration, and the Emergency Relief Appropriation

acts. Under Cammerer’s directorship, five C.C.C. camps were established

in Yosemite National Park. With the help of C.C.C., C.W.A., and P.W.A.,

many management and construction projects in the park were advanced far

ahead of regular schedule. The Wawona Road tunnel project was completed,

and notable progress was made in constructing the Tioga and Big Oak Flat

roads on modern standards. Winter use of the park increased mightily,

and the Yosemite Park and Curry Company developed the Badger Pass ski

center in accordance with Service plans.

Because of failing health, Cammerer resigned as Director in 1940, and

Newton B. Drury, a Californian and a member of the Yosemite Advisory

Board, was appointed to the position on June 19, 1940. Since 1919, Drury

had been a leader in the movement to preserve distinctive areas for park

purposes. As executive head of the Save-the-Redwoods League, he had

become a nationally recognized authority on park and conservation

affairs and was intimately acquainted with the problems of Yosemite

National Park through personal study. The normal problems of the park

and of the Service, generally, were greatly complicated by the

circumstances resulting from World War II, and the years 1942-1945 were

probably the most critical in the history of national parks. But in

spite of pressure exerted by production interests and those who sought

to capitalize on the park’s assets under the guise of “war necessity,”

the natural values of Yosemite were held inviolate. And it is to the

everlasting credit of Director Drury and his staff and associates in

central offices and the field that during the years of all-out warfare

serious inroads were nowhere made upon national park values.

Each year, more than a half million people benefit by the great park’s

offerings, and each year witnesses new demands for expansion of public

utilities provided by the operators and the Government. To meet these

demands and at the same time guarantee “benefit and enjoyment” of

Yosemite values for future generations of visitors is one of the most

exacting tasks engaged in by public servants anywhere.

Two Hundred Years

One hundred fourteen years have elapsed since the explorers in Joseph

Walker’s party first made their way to some point on the north rim of

Yosemite Valley and beheld a tremendous scene beneath them. It is to be

hoped that the Yosemite visitor today will have his enjoyment of

Yosemite National Park somehow enhanced by the recorded story of the

human events during the past century, particularly by the story of the

human effort that made Yosemite accessible to him, but not too

accessible.

Yosemite, like other national parks, has its master plan. Upon it is set

down in rather definite form the conception of the park staff of needs

for physical improvements. This prescription is reviewed by technicians

and executives in central offices and made to delimit the maximum

development necessary to meet the requirements of staff and public. The

master plan also contains an analysis of the inspirational and

recreational experiences which attract the multitude of visitors to the

park. As might be expected this analysis of Yosemite’s offerings points

to the fact that one of the notable values of the reservation is found

in its capacity to stimulate pride in and understanding of the heritage

of natural beauty preserved within the park’s boundaries. Another

important value is indicated in the capacity of the park to serve as a

repository of scientific treasures. In this last-named role as “museum

of the out-of-doors,” Yosemite National Park reasonably may be expected

to become increasingly important as the less protected areas of the

Sierra Nevada are more and more encroached upon by exploiters. The

exploiters are not always concerned with livestock, minerals, or timber.

The aggressiveness of those who cater to recreation seekers—even of the

recreation seekers themselves—constitutes a force to be reckoned with,

and this group particularly lays siege to the structure of National Park

Service conservatism.

It is well that the visitor to this and other national parks extend his

ken. We know something of what has happened since 1833. But what will

have happened to the Yosemite region by the year 2033 A.D., two hundred

years after white man’s first glimpse of the valley? Will the men of

great enterprise have built “ladders touching the sky, changing the face

of the universe and the very color of the stars?” Or will there still be

a remnant of mountain sanctuary, where the handiwork of today’s and

tomorrow’s visitors will be as hard to discern as Joe Walker’s footsteps

are to trace?

[Illustration: Big tree]

_CHRONOLOGY_

The following outline of the history of the Yosemite region cites the

original sources of information used in preparing this book. References

are to the pages of publications and manuscripts appearing in the

bibliography which follows. Items cited frequently are abbreviated:

SCB _Sierra Club Bulletin_, 1893 to date.

USNPS _Annual Report_, United States National Park Service.

USWD _Annual Report of the Chief of Engineers_, United States War

Department.

YNP _Report of the Acting Superintendent_, 1892-1914, Yosemite

National Park.

YNHA _Yosemite Nature Notes_, Yosemite Natural History Association,

1922 to date.

YVC _Biennial Report_, Yosemite Valley Commissioners, 1867-1904.

_CHRONOLOGY, WITH SOURCES_

1776

Garces entered Tulare Valley and named the interior range “Sierra de San

Marcos.” Bancroft, 1884, p. 291; Farquhar, 1928, p. 56.

Name “Sierra Nevada” applied to mountains that now carry the name, by

Padre Pedro Font. Font, map; Farquhar, 1928, p. 55.

1806

Moraga Expedition explored lower course of Merced River and gave it the

name “Merced.” Richman, p. 465; Farquhar, 1928, p. 58.

1826

Jedediah Smith brought first party of trappers from the East. Crossed

near Cajon Pass in November. Dale, p. 183; Merriam, 1923, p. 228.

1833

J. R. Walker crossed present Yosemite National Park with a party of

trappers. Leonard, Z., p. 174; Bancroft, 1885, p. 390; Farquhar,

1942, pp. 35-49; Watson, P. 57.

1841

Bartleson party was first of immigrants. Crossed Sonora Pass and

probably saw Calaveras Grove. Bidwell; Bancroft, 1886, p. 268.

1844

First wagons brought across the Sierra by Stephens-Townsend-Murphy

party. Bancroft, 1886, p. 445.

1847

J. B. Alvarado conveyed “Mariposa Grant” to J. C. Frémont for $3,000.

California Supreme Court.

1848

Sierra gold discovery. Tinkham, p. 59.

1850

Rush to “Southern Mines” (Mariposa region). Bunnell, p. 315.

Tuolumne County organized. Coy, 1923, p. 288.

Mariposa County established. Coy, 1923, p. 161.

Joseph Screech discovered Hetch Hetchy Valley. Hoffmann, p. 370.

J. D. Savage forced to abandon trading station at mouth of South Fork of

Merced. Bunnell, p. 15.

Indians attack Savage’s Fresno River store and his Mariposa Creek

Station, Dec. Bunnell, pp. 22, 23.

1851

Organization of Mariposa Battalion under J. D. Savage. Bunnell, p. 29.

Battalion marched toward mountain stronghold of Indians, March 19.

Elliott, p. 179

Chief Tenaya and a part of Yosemite tribe surrendered to advancing

whites, March 25. Marvin; Bunnell, p. 52.

Battalion viewed Yosemite Valley from Inspiration Point, March 25. Name

“Yosemite Valley” applied. Bunnell, pp. 53, 61.

Yosemite Valley and Merced Canyon to Nevada Fall explored by men with

Savage, March 26. Bunnell, p. 72.

Battalion withdrew from Yosemite without having found more Indians,

March 27. Bunnell, p. 91.

Second entry to Yosemite made by Capt. John Boling’s Company, May 9.

Bunnell, p. 142; Boling, June 12; Kuykendall, p. 9.

First letter dispatched from valley, May 15. Boling, June 12;

Kuykendall, p. 9.

Boling captured Yosemite Indians at Tenaya Lake, May 22. Indians were

escorted to Fresno Reservation, but in winter Tenaya and his

family were permitted to return to the mountains. Boling, June 14;

Kuykendall, p. 10; Bunnell, p. 228.

1852

Eight prospectors entered valley May 2, and two were killed by Indians.

Russell, 1926, p. 332.

Lt. Tredwell Moore entered Yosemite with detachment of 2d Infantry in

June. Bunnell, p. 275; Elliott, p. 172; Hutchings, 1862, p. 75.

Yosemite Indians took refuge with Mono Indians and were not found by

soldiers. Elliott, p. 172.

In August Lt. Moore found promising mineral deposits east of Sierra

crest. Bunnell, p. 277.

Mariposa Grove discovered by party of prospectors. Elliott, p. 172;

Russell, 1926, p. 332, YNHA, 1929, p. 51.

1853

Yosemite Indians left Monos and returned to Yosemite, but stole horses,

and Monos nearly annihilated the Yosemites for their treachery.

Bunnell, pp. 275, 291; Hutchings, 1862, p. 75. Eyewitness account

at variance with Bunnell’s (see p. 47).

A number of parties of prospectors entered Yosemite Valley in the fall

of 1853. Bunnell, p. 295.

1854

James Capen Adams visited Yosemite to capture grizzlies, which he

trained. Hittell, T. H., p. 196.

1855

J. M. Hutchings organized first party of sightseers to enter Yosemite.

First Yosemite pictures made by T. A. Ayres in June. Bunnell, p.

304; Hutchings, 1862, p. 77; Hutchings, 1886, p. 79; YNHA, 1944,

pp. 21-25.

Trail from South Fork (Wawona) built to Yosemite Valley by Milton and

Houston Mann. Finished in 1856. Bunnell, p. 304; Brockman, 1943,

pp. 53-54.

Galen Clark engaged in surveying ditch to supply water to Mariposa

Frémont Grant. Foley, p. 108.

First house, a shack, built in Yosemite Valley by surveyors, including

Bunnell. (Use of Yosemite Valley as a reservoir contemplated.)

Bunnell, p. 304; _Country Gentleman_; Whitney, 1870, p. 18.

1856

“Coulterville Free Trail” from Bull Creek to Yosemite built by G. W.

Coulter and Bunnell. Bunnell, p. 315.

T. A. Ayres made second trip to Yosemite and made more pencil drawings.

Bunnell, p. 310; Farquhar, 1926, p. 111; Ayres.

“Lower Hotel,” first permanent structure, built by Walworth and Hite at

base of Sentinel Rock. Bunnell, p. 309.

1857

Rush of miners from Tuolumne, over Mono Trail, to Mono Diggings; Tom

McGee, of Big Oak Flat, perhaps blazed Mono Trail. _Bodie

Standard_, March 1, 1879; Wasson; Hodgdon.

Beardsley and Hite put up canvas-covered house at Cedar Cottage site.

Galen Clark settled at what is now Wawona, and with Milton Mann

explored Mariposa Grove. Bunnell, p. 310; Brace, p. 85; Foley, p.

102.

1858

“Upper Hotel” (Cedar Cottage) built. Operated by Mr. and Mrs. John H.

Neal. Bunnell, p. 310; Hutchings, 1886, p. 101.

J. L. Cogswell party visited Tuolumne Grove of Big Trees. YNHA, 1937,

pp. 60-63.

1859

W. S. Body located mineral deposits in region that later became famous

as Bodie. Wasson, p. 5.

First photograph made in Yosemite by C. L. Weed. Subject was Upper

Hotel. Hutchings, 1886, p. 101; YNHA, 1929, p. 75.

James C. Lamon preëmpted and took up permanent residence in Yosemite.

Hutchings, 1886, p. 134; Corcoran, 1925.

1860

“Sheepherder Mine” (Tioga Mine) located. _Bodie Daily Free Press_,

September 10, 1881.

California State Geological Survey established, with Prof. Josiah Dwight

Whitney in charge. Whitney, 1865, p. ix; Farquhar, 1925, pp.

15-23.

1861

Nine Bactrian camels taken to Nevada mines. Stopped in Calaveras Grove

en route. Farquhar, 1925, p. 26.

Mono County established. Coy, p. 182.

C. E. Watkins, pioneer photographer, visited Yosemite Valley. YNHA,

1936, pp. 17-18.

1863

State Geological Survey made expedition to region between upper Merced

and Tuolumne rivers. Whitney, 1865, p. 13.

Artist Albert Bierstadt made first trip to Yosemite. YNHA, 1944, pp.

49-51.

1864

J. M. Hutchings took over Upper Hotel, and it became known as “Hutchings

House.” Calif. Legis., p. 323; Hutchings, 1886, p. 102.

Sonora Pass wagon road improved to serve Bodie, etc. Wasson, p. 59.

Florence Hutchings was the first white child to be born in Yosemite.

Hutchings, 1886, p. 144.

Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Big Trees granted to California as public

trust. Grant contained 48.6 square miles. Board of eight

commissioners created, Frederick Law Olmsted, chairman. Galen

Clark, guardian. U. S. Congress, p. 3444; YVC, 1877, p. 5;

Matthews, 1906, pp. 382-387; YNHA, 1946, p. 107.

I. W. Raymond, of Central American Steamship Transit Co., New York City,

advocated to Senator Conness of California that the Yosemite

Valley and the Mariposa Grove be reserved as a State Grant for

public enjoyment. The members of a proposed board of commissioners

were recommended by Raymond and Conness jointly. Raymond, 1864;

Farquhar, 1926, p. 77.

1866

First appropriation made for administration of Yosemite Grant. _Calif.

Statutes_; YVC, p. 7.

1868

John Muir made his first trip to Yosemite. Badè, 1924, I, p. 185; YNHA,

1938; Wolfe, 1945, pp. 117-122.

1869

George F. Leidig built “Leidig’s Hotel” near Lower Hotel. Churchill,

1876, p. 138; Vivian, p. 376; Calif. Legis., pp. 164, 208, 210;

Leidig; YNHA, 1930, p. 4.

Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Black removed Lower Hotel and built “Black’s Hotel”

on its site. Hutchings, 1886, p. 101.

Edwin Moore acquired half interest in Clark’s station, and it became

known as “Clark & Moore’s.” Ellsworth, p. 44; Greenwood, p. 313;

Lester, p. 170.

Mountain View House (Peregoy’s) built on Wawona-Yosemite Valley trail.

YNHA, 1929, p. 71.

Central Pacific built from Sacramento to Stockton. Ingram.

1870

Albert Snow built trail to flat between Vernal and Nevada falls. Calif.

Legis., p. 170; Minturn, p. 264; Lester, p. 197.

Central Pacific built to Modesto. Ingram.

Copperopolis branch of Central Pacific built. Ingram.

Joseph LeConte made his first trip to Yosemite. LeConte, 1903, p. 247.

La Casa Nevada was built by Albert Snow above Vernal Fall. Buckley, p.

25; YNHA, 1930, p. 4.

John Muir explored the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne. SCB, 1924;

Farquhar, 1926, pp. 96-97.

1871

Peregoy built a stopping place at Glacier Point. Peregoy Hotel Register.

John Conway built trail from La Casa Nevada to Little Yosemite; he

attempted the ascent of Half Dome. Russell, 1926, p. 340.

Central Pacific built to Berenda. Ingram.

Conway started work on Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point (completed in

1872). Russell, 1926, p. 340; Kneeland, p. 82.

Mount Lyell climbed by J. B. Tileston, Aug. 29 (first ascent). Tileston,

pp. 89-90.

1872

Central Pacific built to Merced. Ingram.

Stage road built on north side of Yosemite Valley by Conway. Calif.

Legis., p. 198; Russell, 1926, p. 340.

Earthquake in Yosemite. Kneeland, p. 88.

1873

Eagle Peak Trail built to foot of Upper Yosemite Fall by Conway.

Russell, 1926, p. 340.

J. C. Smith built his “Cosmopolitan” bath house and saloon in Yosemite

Valley. Russell, 1931, p. 207; YNHA, 1933, p. 1; Cosmopolitan

House.

1874

Coulterville Road built to valley floor. (Known as “J. T. McLean’s

Road.”) Hutchings, 1886, p. 288; U. S. Senate; YNHA, 1930, pp.

73-74; 1943, pp. 59-60.

Big Oak Flat route completed to Yosemite Valley by Yosemite Turnpike and

Road Company. Hutchings, 1886, p. 335; U. S. Senate; YNHA, 1943,

p. 60.

Wood road built from “Hutchings” up the south side of the valley. Calif.

Legis., p. 340.

State of California purchased private claims in Yosemite Valley. Calif.

Legis., p. 351; YVC, 1877-78, p. 16.

1875

George W. Coulter and A. J. Murphy leased former Hutchings property.

YVC, 1877-78, p. 10.

Harlow Street erected telegraph line from Sonora to Yosemite Valley. A

line was built from Yosemite to Bodie also. _Bodie Daily Free

Press_, January 29, 1881; Hutchings, 1886, p. 358; Morris, Paul.

Wawona Road built to floor of Yosemite Valley. U. S. Senate; YVC,

1874-75; YNHA, 1843, pp. 60-61.

George G. Anderson made first ascent of Half Dome. Hutchings, 1886, p.

457; Leonard, R. M., 1937, p. 40.

Public School provided for Yosemite. Mariposa County, May, 1875; YNP,

1909, p. 10; Hutchings, 1886, p. 355.

Washburn Brothers purchased Clark & Moore’s. Place has been called

“Wawona” since. Vivian, p. 370; Stornoway, p. 72.

1876

Sentinel Hotel built by Coulter and Murphy. Known as Yosemite Falls

Hotel for many years. Calif. Legis., p. 238; Jones.

John Muir’s first article on devastation of Sierra by sheep was

published. Farquhar, 1925, p. 30; Badè, 1923-24, 2: 58-59.

1877

J. K. Barnard took over “Coulter and Murphy’s” (Sentinel Hotel). Blake,

p. 119; YVC, 1877-78, p. 14; Jones.

1878

John L. Murphy settled at Tenaya Lake (exact date doubtful). Jackson,

pp. 109-171; Hutchings, 1886, p. 481.

High Sierra country surveyed by Lieut. M. M. Macomb of Wheeler Survey.

USWD.

Bodie and Lundy mining excitement reached height. Tioga came into

prominence. _Bodie Daily Free Press_, Dec. 29, 1880; Whitney, H.

A.

A. Harris established first public campgrounds in Yosemite Valley.

Harris Register; Calif. Legis., p. 232; Hutchings, 1886, p. 355.

Tunnel in Big Tree of Tuolumne Grove made in June. Marshall, p. 341.

Mountain House built at Glacier Point. Gordon-Cumming, p. 174.

1879

Homer District (Lundy) organized. Was discovered by C. H. Nye. _Mammoth

City Herald_, Sept. 24, 1879; _Homer Mining Index_, 1880.

Yosemite chapel built by Sunday School Union. Hutchings, 1886, p. 355;

Glass, pp. 114-118.

1880

Legislation ousted Board of Yosemite Commissioners. New board appointed

J. M. Hutchings guardian. YVC, 1880, p. 3.

Charles D. Robinson, artist, maintained studio in the valley

(1880-1890). YNHA, 1944. pp. 38-40.

L. H. Bunnell, of Yosemite discovery party, published _Discovery of the

Yosemite Valley_.

1881

Silver found on Mount Hoffmann. Mount Hoffmann Mining District

organized, but amounted to nothing. YNHA, 1925, p. 83.

Tunnel cut through Wawona Tree. YNHA, 1925, p. 83.

1882

“Anderson Trail” (Happy Isles to bridge below Vernal Fall) built. Calif.

Legis., pp. 311, 367; YVC, 1880-82, p. 5.

Construction of Tioga Road started. (Completed in 1883 at cost of

$62,000). Calif. State Mineralogist; U. S. Senate.

Great Sierra Consolidated Silver Mining Company (Tioga Mine)

incorporated. Calif. State Mineralogist.

John Conway built road to Glacier Point. Conway.

1883

President Hayes with party of twelve visited Yosemite Valley.

1884

Tioga Mine closed after expenditure of $300,000 and no production.

Calif. State Mineralogist.

Mr. and Mrs. John Degnan established bakery and store, the oldest

business among Yosemite concessions. USNPS, 1941, p. 9; Degnan, p.

1.

Hutchings removed as guardian, and W. E. Dennison appointed. YVC,

1883-84, p. 14.

1885

Legislature appropriated $40,000 to build Stoneman House. YVC, 1885-86,

p. 6.

John B. Lembert took up homestead in Tuolumne Meadows. Stornoway, p. 64;

Farquhar, 1925, pp. 40-41; YNP, 1903, p. 23.

“Echo Wall Trail” (Nevada Fall to Glacier Point) built. YVC, 1885-86, p.

9.

Log Cabin built in Mariposa Grove. YVC, 1885-86, p. 10.

1886

John L. Murphy preëmpted 160 acres at Tenaya Lake. YNP, 1903, p. 23.

1887

Mark L. McCord made guardian. YVC, 1887-88.

A tramway to Glacier Point considered and surveyed. Calif. Legis., p.

341.

1888

Stoneman House leased to J. J. Cook. YVC, 1887-88, p. 14; Calif. Legis.,

pp. 263, 336; Stornoway, p. 24.

Commissioners removed Black’s and Leidig’s hotels. Calif. Legis., p.

210; YVC, 1887-88, p. 17.

1889

Galen Clark again made guardian. YVC, 1889-90, p. 5.

Mirror Lake dam built to increase area of lake. YVC, 1889-90, p. 5.

1890

Yosemite National Park created, Oct. 1. John Muir’s writings were

important in bringing this about. YVC, 1889-90, p. 27.

1891

Capt. A. E. Wood, first Acting Superintendent, arrived with federal

troops to administer park, May 19; headquarters at Wawona. YNP,

1891, p. 3; YNHA, 1944, p. 54.

First telephones installed in Yosemite Valley. YVC, 1891-92, p. 6.

1892

Sierra Club organized, with John Muir as president, to aid effort to

secure federal administration of entire Yosemite region. SCB,

1893.

First plant of trout (rainbow) made in Yosemite by California Fish and

Game Commission. YNP, 1893, p. 8; YNHA, 1934, p. 58.

1893

Sierra Forest Reservation established, Feb. SCB, 1896, pp. 257-259.

1894

Capt. G. H. G. Gale made Acting Superintendent. YNP, 1894.

1895

Capt. Alex. Rodgers appointed Acting Superintendent. YNP, 1895.

Wawona fish hatchery erected. Operated by state. YNP, 1895, p. 5.

1896

Stoneman House destroyed by fire, Aug. 24. YVC, 1895-96, p. 9.

Lt. Col. S. B. M. Young appointed Acting Superintendent. YNP, 1896;

Farquhar, 1926, p. 109.

First effort made to keep firearms out of park. YNP, 1896, p. 4.

1897

Miles Wallace made guardian. YVC, 1897-98.

Wooden stairs at Vernal Fall removed and replaced by rock steps. YVC,

1897-98, p. 6.

Capt. Alex. Rodgers again made Acting Superintendent. YNP, 1897.

1898

Camps rented to visitors by state. YVC, 1897-98, p. 5.

Archie O. Leonard, first civilian park ranger. YVC, 1897-98, p. 12; YNP,

1898, p. 3.

Both J. W. Zevely, special inspector, and Capt. J. E. Caine were acting

superintendents. YNP, 1898.

1899

Lt. Wm. Forse and Capt. E. F. Wilcox were acting superintendents. YNP,

1890.

Curry Camping Company established. Tresidder, D. B.; Tresidder, M. C.,

MS; YNP, 1908, p. 12.

Chris Jorgensen maintained artist’s studio in the valley (1899-1918).

YNHA, 1944, PP 94-97.

1900

Major L. J. Rucker, Acting Superintendent. YNP, 1900.

Holmes brothers, of San Jose, drove first auto into Yosemite. Holmes.

1901

Camp Yosemite (Lost Arrow) established. YVC, 1901-02, p. 6; YNP, 1908,

p. 12; 1910, p. 12; Tresidder, D. B., p. 35.

Major L. A. Craig, Acting Superintendent. YNP, 1901.

First of the annual outings of the Sierra Club took place in Tuolumne

Meadows. Farquhar, 1925, pp. 52-53.

1902

Power plant at Happy Isles built by state. YVC, 1901-02, p. 4.

Major O. L. Hein, Acting Superintendent. YNP, 1902.

J. M. Hutchings killed on Big Oak Flat Road near Yosemite Valley, Oct.

31. Foley, p. 6; Godfrey, 1941, MS, p. 14.

Harry Cassie Best established artist studio in valley. (Maintained

business until his death, 1936.) YNHA, 1945, pp. 42-44.

1903

LeConte Memorial Lodge built in Yosemite Valley by Sierra Club. SCB,

1904, pp. 66-69; 1905, pp. 176-180.

San Francisco’s first application for use of Hetch Hetchy denied by

Secretary Hitchcock, U.S. Dept. of Interior, 1908, 1910, 1914.

George T. Harlow, guardian. YVC, 1903-04.

U. S. Weather Bureau installed instruments in Yosemite. YVC, 1903-04, p.

7.

Lt. Col. Jos. Garrard, Acting Superintendent. YNP, 1903.

John Muir, Theodore Roosevelt, and Gov. George C. Pardee discuss

Yosemite Grant recession in Yosemite. Badè, 1923-1924, 2: 355.

1904

Major John Bigelow became Acting Superintendent. YNP, 1904.

Arboretum established, and first plans for a Yosemite Museum made at

Wawona. YNP, 1904, p. 20; YNHA, 1930, pp. 17-18.

1905

Area of Yosemite National Park reduced. Mount Ritter region and Devils

Postpile eliminated. Yosemite Park Commission; YNP, 1905, p. 5;

1906, p. 8.

Capt. H. C. Benson, Acting Superintendent. YNP, 1905; SCB, 1925, pp.

175-179.

Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove re-ceded to United States.

Superintendent’s headquarters (Major H. C. Benson) moved to

Yosemite Valley. YNP, 1905, pp. 5-6; 1906, p. 6; Badè, 1923-1924,

2: 355; Colby, 1938, pp. 11-19.

Last “hold up” of a Yosemite stage (Raymond-Wawona run). Yosemite

Tourist, 1906.

1907

Yosemite Valley Railroad opened to travel. YNP, 1907, p. 5; Radcliffe;

Bartlet. Del Portal, the railroad hotel at El Portal, shown in

Williams, p. 143.

Extensive telephone system installed in park. YNP, 1907, p. 8.

Yosemite cemetery given permanent marking with boundary of trees. YNHA,

1932, pp. 1-4.

1908

Hetch Hetchy rights granted to San Francisco. YNP, 1908, p. 14.

Camp Ahwahnee established at foot of Sentinel Rock by W. M. Sell. YNP,

1908, pp. 11, 12; Tresidder, D. B., p. 37.

Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Co. built telegraph line from El Portal

to Sentinel Hotel. YNP, 1908, p. 9.

Supervisor Gabriel Sovulewski, Acting Superintendent, Oct. 25 (to April

27, 1909). YNP, 1909, p. 5.

1909

Major W. W. Forsyth, Acting Superintendent. YNP, 1909.

1910

Death of Galen Clark, March 24, age 96. YNP, 1910, p. 15; 1911, p. 8.

1911

Tenaya Lake Trail completed. YNP, 1910, p. 10; 1911, p. 8.

Devils Postpile made a national monument by President Taft. SCB, 1912,

pp. 170-173, 226-227.

Galen Clark Memorial Seat built. YNP, 1911, p. 12.

1912

Yosemite hospital built by U. S. troops. YNP, 1912, p. 12; Tresidder, D.

B., p. 157.

Sierra Club purchased Soda Springs property at Tuolumne Meadows.

Farquhar, 1926, p. 58.

1913

Major William T. Littebrant, Acting Superintendent. YNP, 1913.

Automobiles admitted to Yosemite Valley. YNP, 1913, p. 12.

Raker Act authorized use of Hetch Hetchy Valley as reservoir; approved

by President Wilson, Dec. 19. Farquhar, 1926, p. 39; Johnson, R.

U., pp. 307-313; Wolfe, 1945, pp. 339-346.

1914

Civilian employees replaced the military in administration of Yosemite.

Mark Daniels, first superintendent. USNPS, 1916, p. 4; Calif.

State Mineralogist, p. 61.

Museum of Vertebrate Zoölogy, University of California, began 5-year

field study of animal life in Yosemite, which culminated in

publication of 752-page treatise. Grinnell and Storer; YNHA, 1924,

p. 2.

John Muir died in a Los Angeles hospital, December 24. Badè, 1923-1924,

II, pp. 390-391.

1915

Parsons Lodge built by Sierra Club in Tuolumne Meadows. SCB, 1916, pp.

84-85.

First appropriation for the John Muir Trail approved by Governor

Johnson. Rensch, 1933, p. 484; Wolfe, 1945, p. 364.

Yosemite Lodge established in Yosemite Valley. Tresidder, D. B., p. 37.

Stephen T. Mather purchased Tioga Road and presented it to U. S.

Government. Farquhar, 1926, p. 94.

Mather became assistant to Franklin K. Lane, Secretary of the Interior.

Albright, 1929, pp. 10-11; Cramton, 1929, p. 13.

Yosemite horse-drawn stages replaced by motor stages. Tresidder, D. B.,

p. 33.

R. B. Marshall made superintendent of all national parks. USNPS, 1916,

p. 5.

1916

National Park Service Act passed August 25. Stephen T. Mather made

Director. USNPS, 1916, p. 81; 1917, p. 1; Farquhar, 1926, p. 63.

W. B. Lewis made Superintendent of Yosemite National Park. USNPS, 1916;

Farquhar, 1926, p. 114.

Tuolumne Meadows Lodge installed; also Tenaya and Merced camps opened.

Tresidder, D. B., p. 76.

1917

Stephen T. Mather became first Director, National Park Service.

Albright, 1929, p. 12; Cramton, 1929, p. 13.

Glacier Point Hotel completed. USNPS, 1917, p. 59; Tresidder, D. B., p.

61.

Wawona Road and Glacier Point Branch turned over to federal government.

USNPS, 1917, p. 62.

Parts of park opened to grazing. USNPS, 1917, p. 153.

Modern school buildings constructed. USNPS, 1920, p. 237.

David A. Curry dies; Mrs. Curry continues operation of Camp Curry.

Tresidder, Mary C., MS.

1918

Cascade power plant completed at cost of $215,000. USNPS, 1917, pp. 61,

143; 1918. pp. 45, 134.

Ledge Trail built. USNPS, 1918, p. 47.

1919

First airplane landed in Yosemite Valley, May 27. Lt. J. S. Krull,

pilot, alone. USNPS, 1919, pp. 183, 190.

LeConte Memorial Lectures instituted. USNPS, 1919, p. 194.

1920

Construction started on all-year highway up Merced Canyon. USNPS, 1920,

p. 110.

Rangers’ Club House built. USNPS, 1920, pp. 113, 250.

Yosemite National Park Co. founded. USNPS, 1920, p. 248.

Yosemite educational work started by H. C. Bryant, A. F. Hall, L. H.

Miller, and Enid Michael. Yosemite Museum planned. USNPS, 1920,

pp. 113, 245, 253; Hall, 1930; YNHA, 1932, pp. 2-3.

California valley elk brought to Yosemite. USNPS, 1920, p. 250; 1921, p.

196.

Big Trees Lodge built at Mariposa Grove. Tresidder, D. B., p. 72.

1921

First Yosemite Museum installations made. USNPS, 1921, pp. 72, 196, 202;

Yosemite Park Naturalist, July, 1921; Hall, 1930.

1922

Yosemite Educational Department created. USNPS, 1922, pp. 113, 115;

1923, p. 20.

_Yosemite Nature Notes_ first published (mimeographed through 1924, then

printed). YNHA, 1925, p. 1.

1923

Hikers’ camps installed. USNPS, 1923, p. 54; 1924, pp. 37, 109; YNHA,

1923; Tresidder, D. B., p. 80; Adams, 1940, pp. 79-83; Russell,

1925.

Educational Department for all national parks created. Yosemite Park

Naturalist; USNPS, 1923, p. 20; 1925, p. 10; 1926, p. 7; Burns, N.

J., pp. 4-25.

1924

Hoof and mouth disease epidemic in Yosemite deer. USNPS, 1924, pp. 36,

108; 1925, pp. 6, 93; 1926, p. 14.

New administration center and village developed. USNPS, 1924, pp. 37,

108; 1925, p. 87.

1925

Yosemite Park and Curry Co. formed by consolidation of Curry Camping Co.

and Yosemite National Park Co. Tresidder, D. B., p. 37; USNPS,

1925, p. 27.

Yosemite School of Field Natural History organized. USNPS, 1925, pp. 11,

90; YNHA, 1925, pp. 9-10, 16, 66.

Glacier Point branch of Yosemite Museum opened. Yosemite Park

Naturalist, June, 1925, YNHA, 1925, p. 55.

1926

All-year highway dedicated July 31. USNPS, 1926, pp. 30, 102.

Yosemite Museum opened, May 29. USNPS, 1924, pp. 8, 105; 1925, pp. 12,

89; 1926, pp. 31, 99; YNHA, 1924, 1926, p. 95.

1927

Ahwahnee Hotel opened by Yosemite Park and Curry Co. USNPS, 1926, pp.

31, 101.

1928

Board of expert advisors, Frederick Law Olmsted, Duncan McDuffie, and

John P. Buwalda, appointed by authority of Congress to study and

assist in the solution of Yosemite problems. USNPS, 1928, p. 173.

Maria Lebrado, one of the last of the original Yosemite Indians, gives

firsthand account of Yosemite Valley discovery. YNHA, 1928, pp.

41-46; 1929, pp. 69-70, 85-86.

Wildlife research in national parks instituted by George M. Wright, of

Yosemite naturalist organization. YNHA, 1929, p. 66; Russell,

1939, p. 10; Wright, Dixon, and Thompson.

W. B. Lewis transferred to Washington; became Assistant Director,

National Park Service. E. P. Leavitt designated Acting

Superintendent. YNP, 1929.

1929

A hospital, which after the death of Assistant Director Lewis, 1930, was

named the W. B. Lewis Memorial Hospital, was constructed in

Yosemite Valley at cost of $50,000. USNPS, 1929, p. 144.

Col. C. G. Thomson appointed Superintendent. YNP, 1929.

1930

Stephen T. Mather dies, January 22. Story.

“Live Indian Exhibit” instituted on Yosemite Museum grounds; project

made possible by the coöperation of the Yosemite Natural History

Association.

Maggie Howard, “Ta-bu-ce” of the Monos was engaged to demonstrate modes

of Indian life. USNPS, 1930, p. 168; YNHA, 1933, pp. 14-16.

Sugar pine forest on west side of park acquired through private gift and

government appropriation. YNHA, 1930, pp. 65-66.

W. B. Lewis died August 28 in Chevy Chase, Maryland. USNPS, 1931.

High Sierra snow surveys organized on consolidated basis. Brockman,

1946, pp. 105-109; YNHA, 1927, p. 19; Russell, 1928, pp. 36-38.

1931

Marjorie Montgomery Ward presented $4,000 with which to develop a living

exhibit of native flowers at the rear of the Yosemite Museum.

USNPS, 1931; YNHA, 1931, p. 64; 1932, pp. 4-5.

Research Reserves established (White Mountain, Boundary Hill, and Swamp

Lake). USNPS, Master Plan, 1942, Sheet 7, map; YNHA, 1927, pp.

46-48.

Glacier measurements instituted in the Yosemite High Sierra. YNHA, 1934,

pp. 44-46; 1935, pp. 93-96; 1942, pp. 89-91.

1932

Wawona Basin, 8,785 acres, added to Yosemite National Park. Half of the

funds required were donated; the Department of Interior was

authorized by Congress to match the donation with federal funds.

USNPS, 1932, p. 61.

Mariposa Grove Museum established. USNPS, 1932, p. 63; YNHA, 1932, p. 4.

Big Trees Lodge constructed in Mariposa Grove at Sunset Point. Earlier

tent camp eliminated from upper grove. USNPS, 1932, p. 64.

Cosmopolitan House, built in 1873, destroyed by fire, Dec. 8. YNHA,

1933, p. 1-2.

Sierra Club Rock-Climbing Section organized. Leonard, R. M., 1938, p.

ii.

1933

Devils Postpile National Monument placed under supervision of the

superintendent, Yosemite National Park. YNHA, 1935, pp. 45-57.

Tule elk herd (27 animals) removed from Yosemite Valley to Owens Valley,

east of Sierra. YNHA, 1933, pp. 107-109.

Arno B. Cammerer made Director of National Park Service upon resignation

of Horace M. Albright. USNPS, 1933, p. 153.

Wawona Road and tunnel dedicated June 10, 1933. YNP, 1933, p. 1.

“Emergency programs,” C.C.C., C.W.A., and P.W.A. advanced the

construction and management projects of the park. Five C.C.C.

camps were established at Wawona, Crane Flat, and Eleven Mile

Meadow. YNP, 1933, pp. 26-32.

1934

First ascent of Higher Cathedral Spire, April 15; Lower Cathedral Spire,

August 25. Leonard, R. M., 1934, p. 178.

Hetch Hetchy water flows into San Francisco. YNHA, 1934, pp. 89-91; YNP,

1935, pp. 11-12.

Radio replaced mountain telephone lines in Yosemite administration. YNP,

1934, p. 11.

Outdoor church bowl in Yosemite Valley improved by C.C.C. YNP, 1934.

1935

Ski house built at Badger Pass by Yosemite Park and Curry Co. YNP, 1936,

p. 6.

1936

Thomas Moran art collection acquired by the Yosemite Museum. YNP, 1936,

p. 4; YNHA, 1936, pp. 57-64; 1944, pp. 64-68.

Yosemite Museum acquired 198 oil and water-color paintings by the

Yosemite artist, Chris Jorgensen. YNP, 1937, p. 7.

First ski ascent of Mount Lyell, March 2, by Bestor Robinson, David R.

Brower, Lewis F. Clark, Boynton S. Kaiser, and Einar Nilsson.

Brower, 1938, pp. 40-45.

Harry Cassie Best dies in San Francisco, October 14. Virginia Best Adams

and Ansel Adams take over operation of Best Studio, Yosemite

Valley. YNHA, 1936, p. 88_a_, back cover; 1945, p. 44.

1937

Lawrence C. Merriam appointed to superintendency in June following death

of C. G. Thomson. YNP, 1937, p. 2; YNHA, 1937, pp. 36-38.

1938

Hetch Hetchy Dam enlarged by addition of 85 feet to its height. YNP,

1938, p. 9.

Tenaya Lake High Sierra Camp removed and new camp established at May

Lake. YNP, 1938, p. 14.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited Yosemite Valley and Mariposa

Grove, July 15. YNP, 1939, p. 6.

Sentinel Hotel, River Cottage, and Ivy Cottage torn down in Dec. YNP,

1939, p. 21.

Gabriel Sovulewski died Nov. 29. YNP, 1939, p. 11.

1939

Vegetation type map of the park prepared by Branch of Forestry, National

Park Service. USNPS, Master Plan, 1942, two maps and key.

Newton B. Drury appointed to Yosemite Advisory Board, Feb. 24. YNP,

1939, p. 10.

1940

Newton B. Drury appointed Director of the National Park Service in June,

when Arno B. Cammerer requested that he be relieved of his duties

as Director for reasons of health. USNPS, 1940, p. 204.

Tioga Road, Crane Flat to McSwain Meadows, and Big Oak Flat Road, from

Crane Flat to El Portal Road, constructed on modern standards;

opened with ceremonies, June 23. YNP, 1940, p. 1. USNPS, Master

Plan, 1942.

Cedar Cottage (Upper Hotel) and Oak Cottage razed. YNP, 1941, pp. 3-4;

1942, p. 6.

C. A. Harwell vacated the Yosemite Park Naturalist position Sept. 7.

YNHA, 1941, p. 37.

Ski-touring accommodations provided at Ostrander Lake, under slopes of

Horse Ridge. YNP, 1941, p. 2.

William E. Colby appointed to membership on Yosemite Advisory Board

effective November 15. Maulding, Mrs. J. Atwood.

Mrs. John Degnan, pioneer park operator, died Dec. 15. YNP, 1941, p. 9.

1941

Arno B. Cammerer, Director of National Park Service, 1933-1940, died

April 30. USNPS, 1942.

C. Frank Brockman appointed Yosemite Park Naturalist, Mar. 27. YNHA,

1941, p. 37.

Bear-feeding programs in Yosemite Valley discontinued. YNP, 1941, p. 3.

Superintendent Lawrence C. Merriam appointed Regional Director, National

Park Service, Region Two (Omaha, Nebraska), July 31. Frank A.

Kittredge transferred from Grand Canyon National Park to the

Yosemite superintendency, Aug. 1. YNP, 1942, pp. 1, 5.

Cosie Hutchings Mills visited Yosemite Valley, Aug. 20, after absence of

42 years. YNHA, 1941, p. 111; 1942, pp. 37-40.

1942

Yosemite School of Field Natural History and Junior Nature School

discontinued for duration of war. YNHA, 1942, p. 30; YNP, 1942, p.

7.

Activities of C.C.C. in Yosemite National Park discontinued in July.

YNP, 1943, p 1.

U. S. Army Signal Corps units utilized National Park Service facilities

at Wawona and Badger Pass as special summer training schools. YNP,

1943, p. 1; 1944, pp. 1-2; 1945, p. 2.

Armed-forces men who came to Yosemite National Park for recreation or

conditioning totaled 23,272 in the fiscal year ending June 30.

(This total reached 89,686 during the war years.) YNP, 1943, p. 1;

1944, p. 2.

J. N. LeConte appointed Collaborator, Yosemite Advisory Board. YNP,

1943, p. 2.

1943

Ranger-naturalist program discontinued as a war measure. YNHA, 1943, pp.

46-47.

Death of Dr. H. C. Bumpus, of the National Park Service Advisory Board,

June 21. YNHA, 1943, pp. 97-101.

Death of John Degnan, pioneer resident and operator, Feb. 27. Mary Ellen

Degnan, daughter, continued operation of Degnan store. YNP, 1943,

p. 10.

Death of Mrs. Mabel Sweetman Boysen, longtime operator and resident, May

10. YNP, 1943, p. 11.

Ahwahnee Hotel converted to hospital use by U. S. Navy, June 23 (to Dec.

15, 1945). YNP, 1944, p. 1; YNHA, 1946, p. 75; Yosemite Park and

Curry Co., 1946, pp. 1-76.

Death of Chief Ranger Forest S. Townsley, Aug. 11. YNP, 1944, p. 6;

YNHA, 1943, p. 75.

1944

Transfer of Acting Chief Ranger John H. Wegner to Sequoia and Kings

Canyon national parks. YNHA, 1944, pp. 32-33.

Oscar A. Sedergren appointed Chief Ranger. YNHA, 1944, pp. 37-38.

M. E. Beatty, Associate Park Naturalist, transferred to Glacier National

Park, Montana. M. V. Walker appointed _vice_ Beatty. YNHA, 1944,

pp. 58, 60.

1945

First consideration given to the removal of some of the physical

developments from Yosemite Valley and the establishment of new

centers of operations in less precious localities. Vint, 1945.

Elizabeth H. Godfrey, a student and writer of Yosemite history,

transferred from Yosemite to Region Four, National Park Service.

YNHA, 1945, p. 97.

Meadows and vista restoration program initiated in Yosemite Valley. YNP,

1945, p. 10.

Yosemite Valley Railway abandoned August 27. YNP, 1946, p. 5.

1946

Park Naturalist C. Frank Brockman resigns from National Park Service.

YNHA, 1946, pp. 110-111.

Lost Arrow ascended by Jack Arnold, Anton Nelson, Fritz Lippmann, and

Robin Hansen, September 2. YNHA, 1946, pp. 113-116; Brower, 1946,

pp. 121-122.

Constam T-bar lift for skiers constructed at Badger Pass in fall. YNP,

1947.

1947

Maggie Howard, “Ta-bu-ce,” a principal character in Yosemite Indian

demonstration, died at Mono Lake. Kittredge, 1947.

_BIBLIOGRAPHY_

The following references are to pertinent titles in the bibliography of

Yosemite history. A comprehensive bibliography is to be found in the

Yosemite section, pages viii to 134, of _A Bibliography of National

Parks and Monuments West of the Mississippi River_, National Park

Service, Western Museum Laboratories, Berkeley, California, 1941. No

attempt has been made here to list all items descriptive of the park.

Adams, Ansel. _Sierra Nevada: The John Muir Trail_ [“Transmission of

emotional experience”] (Berkeley, 1938), 50 plates.

Adams, Virginia, and Ansel Adams. _Illustrated Guide to Yosemite Valley_

(San Francisco, 1940), 128 pp., illus., maps.

Albright, Horace M. “How the National Park Service Came into Being: A

Reminiscence,” _American Civic Annual_, 1929, pp. 9-12.

——. “Yosemite on the Way to Protection,” _American Civic Annual_, 1929,

pp. 23-25.

_American Motorist._ “Yosemite Motor-Conquered,” September, 1916, p. 37.

American Planning and Civic Association. Portfolio on the national park

and monument system (Washington, D. C., n.d.), four booklets, 32

pp. each.

Anonymous. _Mono County_ (F. W. McIntosh, Reno, 1908), 96 pp., illus.

Archibald, J. F. “A Cavalry March to the Yosemite,” _Illustrated

American_, November, 1896.

Ayres, Thomas A. Original pencil drawings made in Yosemite Valley, 1855

and 1856 (Yosemite Museum exhibits).

Badè, W. F. “The Hetch Hetchy Situation [editorial],” _Sierra Club

Bulletin_, 9 (1914): 3, 174-176.

——. “John Muir in Yosemite,” _Natural History_, March-April, 1920.

——. _The Life and Letters of John Muir_ (2 vols., Boston and New York,

1924).

Bailey, C. A. “The Vantage Points of Yosemite,” _Sunset_, April, 1899.

——. “Unfrequented Paths of Yosemite.” _Overland Monthly_, July, 1886,

pp. 88-92.

Bancroft, Hubert Howe. _Tourists’ Guide_ (1871).

——. _History of California_, I, 1542-1800 (San Francisco, 1884), 744

pp.; III, 1825-1840 (1885), 792 pp.; IV, 1840-1845 (1886).

Barrus, C. “In the Yosemite with John Muir,” _The Craftsman_, December,

1912.

Bartlet, L. “By Rail to the Yosemite.” _Pacific Monthly_, June, 1907,

pp. 730-738.

Beadle, J. H. _The Undeveloped West_ (Philadelphia, 1873), 824 pp.,

illus.

Beatty, M. E. “History of the Firefall,” _Yosemite Nature Notes_, 1934,

pp. 41-43.

——. “Glaciers of Yosemite,” _Yosemite Nature Notes_, 1934, pp. 44-46.

——. “C. E. Watkins, One of the Early Photographers of Yosemite,”

_Yosemite Nature Notes_, 1936, pp. 17-18.

——. “A Brief Story of the Geology of Yosemite Valley,” _Yosemite Nature

Notes_, 1943, pp. 33-40.

——. “Bears of Yosemite,” _Yosemite Nature Notes_, 1943, pp. 1-16.

Beatty, M. E., and C. A. Harwell. “Birds of Yosemite,” _Yosemite Nature

Notes_, 1938, pp. 1-36.

Belden, C. J. “The Tioga Road across the Sierra Nevada,” _Geographical

Review_, June, 1919.

Bell, Major Horace. _Reminiscences of a Ranger_ (Santa Barbara, 1927),

500 pp., illus.

Bidwell, John. _John Bidwell’s Trip to California_, 1841 (St. Louis,

1842), 32 pp.

——. “First Emigrant Train to California,” _Century Magazine_, November,

1890.

Blackwelder, Eliot. “Pleistocene Glaciation in the Sierra Nevada and

Basin Ranges,” _Bull. Geol. Soc. Amer._, 42 (1931), 865-922.

Blake, Mary E. _On the Wing_ (Boston, 1883), 236 pp.

Boddam-Whetham, J. W. _Western Wanderings_ (London, 1874), 364 pp.,

illus.

_Bodie Daily Free Press_, November 3, 1879; January 26, 1884.

_Bodie Standard_, November 7, 1877; June 6, 1881.

Boling, Captain John. “Letter from Yosemite Valley,” _Alta California_,

June 12, 1851.

——. “Letter from Camp on Fresno River,” _Alta California_, June 14,

1851.

Bolles, Ida Savage. “Sidelights on Major James Savage,” _Yosemite Nature

Notes_, 1929, pp. 15-16.

Borell, Adrey E. “History of Fishing in Yosemite,” _Yosemite Nature

Notes_, 1934, pp. 57-60.

Bowles, Samuel. _Our New West_ (New York, 1869), 524 pp., illus.

Brace, Charles Loring. _The New West_ (New York, 1869), 374 pp.

Branson, I. R. _Yosemite against Corporation Greed_ (Aurora, Neb.,

1909), 30 pp.

Breitenstein, A. J. “The Park-to-Park Highway,” _New West_, May, 1917,

pp. 17-20.

Brewer, William H. _Up and Down California in 1860-1864_ (Yale

University Press, New Haven, 1930).

Brewster, E. T. _Life and Letters of J. D. Whitney_ (Boston, 1909), 412

pp.

Brockman, C. Frank. “Contributions of the Naturalist to Winter

Recreation,” _Proceedings, Second Park Naturalist Conference_

(Washington, D. C.), pp. 74-80 [mim.].

——. “Little Change in Yosemite’s Glaciers,” _Yosemite Nature Notes_,

1942, pp. 89-91.

——. “Development of Transportation to Yosemite,” _Yosemite Nature

Notes_, 1943, pp. 49-63, 69-72, 76-79, 81-86, 91-96, 101-103.

——. “Administrative Officers of Yosemite,” _Yosemite Nature Notes_,

1944, pp. 53-57.

——. “Principal Waterfalls of the World and Their Relation to Those in

Yosemite National Park,” _Yosemite Nature Notes_, 1945, pp. 1-32.

——. “Yosemite and the Mother Lode Country,” _Yosemite Nature Notes_,

1946, pp. 81-85.