Yosemite National Park in Mariposa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Yosemite Valley

1864-1964

Photographed By Eric Polk, June 7, 2008

1. Yosemite Valley Marker

Inscription. On June 30, 1864 the United States granted the Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Big Tree Grove to the State of California to "be held for public use, resort and recreation...inalienable for all time." This act, signed by President Abraham Lincoln, was the first Federal authorization to preserve scenic and scientific values for public benefit. It was the basis for the later concept of state and National Park Systems. In 1906 the State of California returned the land, considered to the first State Park in the country, so that it could become part of Yosemite National Park.

Erected 1964 by California State Park Commission, the California History Commission, and the National Park Service. (Marker Number 790.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Environment. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is June 2005.

Location. 37° 44.918′ N, 119° 35.234′ W. Marker is in Yosemite National Park, California, in Mariposa County. Marker can be reached from Village Drive north of Northside Drive. Marker is located in the courtyard of the Yosemite Visitor Center in Yosemite Village. Touch for map

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. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9035 Village Dr, Yosemite National Park CA 95389, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Yosemite National Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Big Tree (within shouting distance of this marker); A Home for Rangers (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); James Hutchings (approx. 0.3 miles away); Early Tourism (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Story of Half Dome (approx. 0.4 miles away); Reawakening the Meadow (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Old Yosemite Village (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Yosemite National Park.

Regarding Yosemite Valley. Click on "Nearby Markers" to view photos of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and the waterfalls.

Photographed By Craig Baker

2. Yosemite Valley Marker

Yosemite Visitor Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Adam Margolis, September 24, 2016

3. Yosemite Visitor Center

The marker is located in the courtyard of the Yosemite Visitor Center.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 25, 2015, by Eric Polk of Lakewood, California. This page has been viewed 564 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 25, 2015, by Eric Polk of Lakewood, California. 2. submitted on November 4, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3. submitted on February 15, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.