Efforts to protect Yosemite Valley began as far back as June 30, 1864 when President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill granting Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias to the State of California as an inalienable public trust. This was the first time in history that a federal government had set aside scenic lands simply to protect them and to allow for their enjoyment by all people. The area became a national park on October 1, 1890 following several years of struggle by John Muir against the devastation of the subalpine meadows surrounding Yosemite Valley.

Despite its national park status, California controlled the initial grant area until 1906. Prior to ceding control, the city of San Francisco became embroiled in a bitter political struggle over the Hetch Hetchy Valley, in which the city wanted to dam the Tuolumne River as a source of drinking water and hydroelectric power. In 1913, conservationists led by John Muir lost the battle when Congress passed the Raker Act, authorizing the construction of O'Shaughnessy Dam. To this day crusades to restore Hetch Hetchy are ongoing.

Yosemite has grown from a little visited, yet historically significant, park to one of the "crown jewels" of the US National Park System. With this stature comes difficulties; current visitation numbers roughly 4 million visitors per year, with a majority visiting 12 square miles within Yosemite Valley (about 1% of the total park land). The dual role of the park service -- protection of the resource and providing for the enjoyment of the visitor -- makes sure that Yosemite continues to be an important breeding ground for management ideas about US National Parks.

Yosemite National Park has a rich history shaped by indigenous peoples, exploration, and conservation efforts. Native American tribes, including the Ahwahneechee people, inhabited the Yosemite Valley for thousands of years, leaving behind a legacy of cultural significance and spiritual connection to the land.

In the mid-19th century, European-American explorers and settlers began to venture into the Yosemite region, drawn by tales of its natural wonders. Among them was naturalist John Muir, whose writings and advocacy played a crucial role in the establishment of Yosemite as a national park.

In 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant, protecting the Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, making it the first time in history that the U.S. government set aside land for preservation and public use. This laid the foundation for the future establishment of national parks.

Yosemite continued to capture the imagination of artists, writers, and adventurers throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Ansel Adams, renowned photographer, captured its beauty in iconic black-and-white images, while Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, expanded the park's boundaries and solidified its protection.

In 1890, Yosemite National Park was established, encompassing a vast area of over 750,000 acres. Over the years, the park has faced challenges such as wildfires, infrastructure development, and environmental concerns, but ongoing conservation efforts have ensured that its natural splendor remains preserved for future generations to enjoy. Today, Yosemite stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of conservation and the profound impact of human interaction with the natural world.