Category: History
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Yosemite Chapel Celebrating 130 Years
The Yosemite Chapel, located in Yosemite Valley, will be celebrating its 130th anniversary this Sunday, June 7. This date is purportedly the actual date that services were first held in 1879. The Yosemite Chapel is the oldest structure in Yosemite Valley. It was originally constructed along the south side of the road near the base…
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A Glimpse at the Yosemite of the Past
Dane sent me a link this weekend via Twitter to this really interesting film real from the 1940’s. Yes, they used to feed bears by hand and would have nightly shows at the garbage dump with dozens of bears clambering for garbage so tourists could see. Thanks, Dane.
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Got Plans Tuesday?
Got plans Tuesday night? If you’re in Sacramento (California) head over to REI on Expo Parkway to see Shelton Johnson shares the history of the Buffalo Soldiers in Yosemite. If you’ve never caught Shelton speaking about the Buffalo Soldiers in Yosemite then set the TiVo, grab the kids and head on over to REI. You’re…
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Ahwahnee Could Be Closed for Up To 2 Years
It’s been a little busy around here what with taking the dog to the vet last week and my anniversary so I totally missed the fact that the Ahwahnee may be shutting down for awhile to undergo earthquake retrofitting. In fact, it could be closed as long as TWO YEARS! Mercury News: On Wednesday, Yosemite…
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Photo of the Day: 14th Cavalry in Yosemite
Today’s Photo of the Day is a really interesting photo Mark Holloway had posted to Flickr of the 14th Cavalry in Yosemite. If you read the writing you’ll notice it’s dated Summer 1909 and located near Camp Yosemite. For those who aren’t familiar with Yosemite’s history, the U.S. Cavalry was given the task of patrolling…
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Thomas Hill Painting of Yosemite Backdrop for Inaugural Luncheon
This years Inauguration Ceremonies of President-elect Barack Obama celebrate the 200th birthday (Feb. 12, 1809) of President Abraham Lincoln whom many consider to be have been one of our greatest Presidents ever. In celebration of Lincoln’s accomplishments the ceremonies will contain items of historical significance to the Lincoln Presidency, including Yosemite Valley. To commemorate Lincoln’s…
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A Rare Gem from John Muir
While browsing the Library of Congress collection I came across this gem, an original article penned by John Muir from The Atlantic Monthly in 1899. I’ve read all of John Muir’s books and short storied but I’ve never read this article until tonight. OF all the mountain ranges I have climbed, I like the Sierra…
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The History and Mystery of Bower Cave
If you’ve ever read John Muir’s writings about his summers spent in the Sierra and the wonderful adventures he had then you’re probably familiar with the name Bower Cave. But what ever happened to Bower Cave? I’ve lived in this area my entire life and I’ve only heard faint reminiscing whispers of it. Did it…
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Crane Flat Fire Lookout Closed for Repairs
Not many visitors know that you can visit the fire lookout at Crane Flat but from July 28 to September 5th the station will be closed for renovation of the historic structure. Don’t worry though, as soon as repairs are completed you’ll be able to go check out a piece of history.
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19th Century Yosemite in 3D
BoingBoing: “Carleton Watkins was a critically-acclaimed landscape photographer in the 19th century. His photos of Yosemite are considered groundbreaking examples of stereoscopic photography. Smithsonian has a feature on Watkins and a pleasant narrated slideshow about his Yosemite 3D photographs.” Update: I just realized that this is the same link that Brian posted yesterday.