Camp 4, long considered the birth place of big wall and modern rock climbing in the United States, is being added to the National Register of Historic Places. The unveiling of the plaque is set to take place this Sunday, October 1, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. near the Columbia Boulder in Camp 4.
“As a National Register property, Camp 4 is being recognized for its association with the development of modern rock climbing in the United States. Camp 4 has been the social and intellectual center for Yosemite Valley climbers beginning in 1947 after John Salathe’s pioneering ascent of the Lost Arrow Chimney. In the years to follow, the rock climbers who resided in Camp 4 for extended periods of time redefined climbing techniques, experimented and designed new equipment and established climbing standards and ethics which continue today. Camp 4 is also distinguished as the first campground in the United States to achieve National Register of Historic Places status.” ~NPS