Yosemite, the Grand Experiment

The video discusses the historical significance of Yosemite, highlighting its status as one of the most photographed landscapes. It explains how, before 1864, no Westerners had visited Yosemite, and it had no commercial value. Senator Komus played a crucial role in convincing Congress to preserve Yosemite as a national preserve, using Carleton Watkins' photographs to influence decision-makers. This led to the creation of the Yosemite Grant, signed by Abraham Lincoln, which established a legal framework for wilderness preservation and paved the way for the creation of Yellowstone National Park.

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