Today in History–June 30–the Library of Congress features Yosemite. On this day in 1865 President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Valley Grant Act, giving the valley and nearby Mariposa Big Tree Grove to California “upon the express conditions that the premises shall be held for public use, resort, and recreation.” The area became a top tourist destination but towards the…
Today in History–July 19–the Library of Congress features naturalist John Muir, who captured his experience of awakening in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California on this day in 1869. Read his thoughts and find out more about the subsequent founder of the Sierra Club by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more related resources. Books…
Today in History–April 5–the Library of Congress features the National Park Service (NPS), which was established in 1916 thanks to testimonies in support submitted to Congress on April 5 and 6. The NPS started by supervising 40 national parks and monuments and now supervises nearly 500. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access…