Yosemite Valley

This is the first time the federal government set land aside for the public rather than sell it. Lincoln signed the grant on June 30, 1864, giving Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove to California to be held inalienable for all time. The Ahwahneechee had been driven out of it thirteen years earlier. California ran the grant for forty-two years, then handed it back so the valley could be folded into the national park around it. The bronze went up on the hundredth anniversary, indoors.

What the plaque says

1864 Yosemite Valley 1964 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 the first state park in the country, so that it could become part of Yosemite National Park. California Registered Historical Landmark No. 790 Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the California History Commission and the National Park Service in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Yosemite Grant, June 30, 1964.

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Site of Savage's Trading Post — 18 mi
• Mariposa County Courthouse — 27 mi
• Mormon Bar — 28 mi
• Agua Fria — 30 mi