Images of America

YOSEMITE VALLEY

YOSEMITE VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

A natural wonder hewn by glaciers from the granite slopes of the western Sierra Nevada, Yosemite Valley reveals the power and beauty of nature's hand. Here, in the sublime "Incomparable Valley" of naturalist John Muir, alpine forests frame the legendary sites of Half Dome, El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite Falls, and other massive stone clefts. These marvels of rock and water have inspired writers, aritsts, and phtographers ever since the American discovery of the valley by gold miners of the Mariposa Battalion acting as militia in 1850.

Within four years, Americans who realized the commercial value of Yosemite Valley began developing lodging facilities and promoting it as a tourist destination. Concered Californians encouraged President Lincoln to grant the valley and the Mariposa Grove of Big Trees to the State of California for the formation of a state park. This led to the creation of Yosemite National Park in 1890.

Mariposa and Yosemite interpreter, photographer, and historian Leroy Radanovich has gathered amazing photographs in this volume, using images from park venues as well as private collections. Together, they tell both the human and natural stories of this remarkable place, now visited by 3.5 million people annually.

The Images of America series celebrate the history of neighborhoods, towns and cities across the country. Using archival photographs, each title presents the distinctive stories from the past that shape the character of the community today. Arcadia is proud to play a part in the preservation of local heritage, making history available to all.