Liberty Cap in Yosemite National Park
Sierra Sun Times file photo

Happy Birthday Yosemite!

October 1, 2024 - Yosemite National Park officials say on October 1, 1890, Yosemite was designated by an Act of Congress as the third national park in the United States, preceded by Yellowstone (1872) and Sequoia (1890.)

134 years doesn't come close to marking the birth of this landscape, last carved by the Tioga Glaciation 20,000 years ago. Nor does it mark the birth of humans upon this landscape, as seven tribes (Bishop Paiute Tribe, Bridgeport Indian Colony, Mono Lake Kootzaduka’a Tribe, North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California, Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians, Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation, and Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians) have been tending to this land for thousands of years and continue to.

Today, we are celebrating 134 years since the birth of an idea. An idea that will continue to be shaped over time by all who seek to protect, understand, share, and experience Yosemite National Park.

How will you celebrate Yosemite's birthday?
Source: NPS