Grace Quigley6th Grade Language Arts

1st HourYosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is located in east-central California, by Lake Tahoe, and east of

San Fransisco Bay. The name Yosemite originated from the Yosemite Natives, which in their

language translated as “those who kill”, This name was used by tribes that feared the Yosemite.

Millions of years ago, Yosemite was created by massive glaciers flowing down the

canyon. The glaciers created a U-shaped valley. The glacier carved away and is now nearly 1

mile and almost 1 mile deep in some places. Now, the world’s greatest waterfalls fall from these

valleys. Also, a number of large rock masses spike from the ground.

You are probably wondering if there is any interesting history about Yosemite. Well, In

fact there is! For thousands of year a tribe named Awanechee lived in Yosemite. Later, Mason

Hutchings entered Yosemite with his mind set on making a fortune by showing California's

scenic wonders, and making a tourist hotel in the mountain. His plan failed at first. Years later,

Hutchings came back with a photographer. Soon news spread around the towns. More tourists

started coming to Yosemite. Soon, many people started coming to Yosemite, in fact Frederick

Law Olmsted, New York Central Park designer, visited Yosemite and wrote that it was “the

greatest glory of nature.... the union of the greatest sublimity with the deepest beauty.” Many

people started growing the sense that this park needed to be legally protected if it was to stay

beautiful. In 1864, John Conness, senator of California, introduced a bill to Congress proposed

something unusual that would change history. He proposed that they set aside a large area of

land filled with nature for the enjoyment of the public. On June 30, 1864, Abraham Lincoln

signed the bill that gave California full responsibility of Yosemite. Galen Clark, a park pioneer,

was given the job of protecting Yosemite. He had to protect and maintain the park for only

$500. But, there was a problem. Hutchings was still trying to exploit Yosemite. He already

owned 2 hotels in mountain and then started charging people to see the park. Galen Clark (the

park pioneer) fought against Hutchings, who was technically an illegal squatter. In 1875, Clark

won the battle and Hutchings was evicted from his hotels and banished from the mountain.

John Muir, a former partner with Hutchings, came back about 8 years after leaving

Yosemite. He found his “sacred temple “ had been horribly neglected. Tunnels had been carved

through great trees, meadows were turned into pastures and meadows, and there was trash

strewn about the park. Muir through himself into helping the mountain be reserved once again.

Finally, after lots of hard work, current president of the time, Benjamin Harrison, signed a law

creating Yosemite National Park.

So, what are the tourist attractions? Yosemite National Park is best known for their

waterfalls. Bridalveil is the first waterfall discovered by tourists in Yosemite National Park. It

descends 620 ft. by the southern wall of the valley.

Much of the parks scenic beauty is found in the Yosemite Valley. The valley lies at a

4,000 ft elevation and is in the center of the park. The park has many tourist accommodations.

Explore the park by hiking, biking, taking a bus tour, skiing, fishing, horseback riding, rock

climbing, and swimming. Visit literally any time of the year! Yosemite is a year-round park and

most roads stay open in the winter.

Is there any wildlife? Yes! Over 150 bird species and 100 different kind of animal species

live in Yosemite! Wildlife in Yosemite National Park is diverse and abundant. Bears and deer

are numerous, along with other less-known animals. Yosemite has many different habitats. For

instance, the Sierra Nevada red fox hunts in open areas like the alpine habitat, and retreats at

night to the safe, thick, forest. Despite the ever-growing habitats over 40 species are

endangered. Three species, the grizzly bear, California red-legged frog, and foothill yellow-

legged frog, are believed to be destroyed in the area. Park rangers have to be very aware of

their surroundings, for Yosemite has lots of natural fires. Luckily, in the past natural fires, people

have been fast to act and have restored the park whenever fires begin.

Yosemite is a beautiful park and has many great features. The environment persists of

various habitats and species. Yosemite is different than any park and includes many fun and

beautiful activities. Overall, Yosemite is full of beauties and scenic wonders.