7 Fascinating Things You Probably Didn't Know About Yosemite In Northern California
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Gia Liu
Author
People come from all over the country, and even the world, to visit Northern California’s famous Yosemite National Park. But even the most nature-loving NorCal resident might not know these 7 fascinating things about this amazing national park. Read on to find out more about everyone’s favorite, Yosemite.
Contrary to popular belief, Yosemite was not actually the country's first national park. When President Abraham Lincoln designated the Yosemite Valley as a public trust of California, that laid the foundation for the national park system. But Yosemite did not actually become a national park until 18 years after Yellowstone National Park became one.
John Muir famously loved the gorgeous Yosemite Valley, and he lamented the destruction of the gorgeous forests and valleys he loved. His articles raised awareness and contributed to the national park's eventual creation in 1890.
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Back in the 1800s, sheepherders let their sheep roam freely in Yosemite. The herders frequently set meadows on fire to promote the growth of grass for their animals.
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After President Theodore Roosevelt went on a camping trip in Yosemite, he signed a law that expanded the national park, bringing Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove under federal protection.
The Buffalo Soldiers who patrolled and protected Yosemite National Park were the first to wear the distinctive hats that today are seen on the heads of all National Park Service rangers.
Yosemite once bid to host the Winter Olympics in 1932. Unfortunately, it lost out to Lake Placid, New York. Maybe the national park will give it another try at a later date.
The luxurious Ahwahnee Hotel was transformed into a military hospital in 1943. Doctors hoped the soothing surroundings would help to comfort soldiers suffering from what we now know as PTSD.
While most NorCal residents (and U.S. residents, for that matter) know about Yosemite, we bet most people haven’t heard of these hidden locations in Northern California. Check them out for yourself!
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