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Yosemite Cemetery: A Silent Chronicle of the Valley's Past

Discover the stories of Yosemite's pioneers in this peaceful and historic cemetery nestled in the heart of Yosemite Valley.

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Nestled in Yosemite Valley, the Yosemite Cemetery, also known as Pioneer Cemetery, is a historic burial ground dating back to the 1870s. It offers a glimpse into the lives of the park's early pioneers, residents, and notable figures who shaped Yosemite's history.

A brief summary to Yosemite Cemetery

  • Yosemite National Park, 9039 Village Dr, Wawona, Yosemite Village, California, 95389, US
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Take your time to read the grave markers and learn about the individuals buried there. Many played important roles in Yosemite's history.
  • Visit the Yosemite Museum nearby to gain further context on the lives and times of the people buried in the cemetery.
  • Be respectful of the gravesites and maintain a quiet demeanor while visiting.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Yosemite Cemetery is located on the western end of Yosemite Village, a short walk from many key points in the area. From the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, head west towards the Yosemite Museum. The cemetery is located across the street from the museum. The walk is generally flat and takes about 5-10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Use Yosemite's free shuttle system to reach Yosemite Village. Take either the Valleywide Shuttle or the East Valley Shuttle and disembark at the Yosemite Village stop. From there, walk west towards the Yosemite Museum; the cemetery is located across the street. The shuttle is free and operates frequently throughout the day. During the summer, the shuttle runs from 7 am to 10 pm, with buses arriving every 8 to 22 minutes.

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Discover more about Yosemite Cemetery

Yosemite Cemetery, also called Pioneer Cemetery, provides a serene and historical counterpoint to the grandeur of Yosemite Valley. Established in the 1870s, when Yosemite Valley was under California state supervision, the cemetery became the final resting place for individuals who played significant roles in the park's development. Prior to its establishment, graves were scattered throughout the valley, and known remains were moved to this location. The cemetery is located on the western end of Yosemite Village, near the Yosemite Museum. Enclosed by a low split-rail fence and shaded by cedar trees planted in 1936, the cemetery exudes a peaceful atmosphere. Here lie the remains of early European-descent pioneers, some Native Americans who lived in the valley, and notable figures such as : * **Galen Clark:** A writer, conservationist, and the first guardian of Yosemite. * **James Mason Hutchings:** A businessman and early promoter of Yosemite, who published the first tour of Yosemite in 1855. * **Florence Hutchings:** The first non-Ahwahnechee (Yosemite Native American) child born in Yosemite Valley. * **George Anderson:** The first person to summit Half Dome in 1875. * **George Fiske:** A landscape photographer who captured the beauty of Yosemite in the late 1800s and early 1900s. * **Lucy Brown:** One of the few Native American survivors of the Mariposa Battalion's 1851 raid of Yosemite Valley. * **Forest Sanford Townsley:** Chief ranger at Yosemite National Park for 27 years. Visiting the cemetery offers a chance to reflect on the lives and legacies of those who contributed to Yosemite's rich history and natural preservation.

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