On this day in 1864 President Lincoln signed a bill drafted by both houses of the 38th Congress of the United States officially creating the Yosemite Grant. While Yellowstone ultimately became the first National Park, this was the first instance of park land being set aside for preservation and public use by the federal government. The grant was the result of citizens like Galen Clark and Senator John Conness advocating heavily for protection of the area. John Muir later led a successful movement to establish a larger national park encompassing not just the Yosemite Valley, but surrounding mountains and forests as well.
Yosemite presented a series of firsts for the national park system we enjoy today; first to have land set aside, paving the way for other parks like Yellowstone to carve out protected areas for future generations to enjoy; and first to build on the national park idea, and put in place a system for the future United States National Park Service.
Today marks the 149th year since the Yosemite Grant was signed. 2014 promises to be a banner year at Yosemite, as the park celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Yosemite Grant. You can find out more about the events celebrating the 150th anniversary HERE.
Al Golub Joins Faculty of Professional Photographers at YExplore and Will Lead Yosemite Photography Classes for Park Visitors
Katia Hetter posted an article in the Summer In The Park series on the CNN.com website.
Marek Warszawski wrote in the Fresno Bee about two great hikes in Yosemite: Four-Mile and Panorama Trail.
The Public Relations Society of America has posted a great introduction to Scott Gediman – a terrific guy, who also happens to be the assistant superintendent for public & legislative affairs at Yosemite National Park.