Discovery of the Yosemite, and the Indian War of 1851

by Lafayette Houghton Bunnell

During the winter of 1849-50, while ascending the old Bear Valley trail from Ridley’s ferry, on the Merced river, my attention was attracted to the stupendous rocky peaks of the Sierra Nevadas. In the distance an immense cliff loomed, apparently to the summit of the mountains.

Written by the medical officer of the Mariposa Battalion (the first group of Euro-Americans to enter the valley), Discovery of the Yosemite, and the Indian war of 1851 is perhaps the single most important original source we have that focuses on the early history of Yosemite Valley.

Out of print for many years, this wonderful source chronicles key historical events surrounding the discovery of Yosemite, including the 1851 conflict with the Yosemite native population, and the naming of various landmarks.

What makes this source particularly valuable and rich is the first person perspective provided by Dr Bunnel’s narrative.

Lafayette Houghton Bunnell, born in 1824 in Rochester, New York, was an American author, explorer, and physician. Inspired by the males in his family, Bunnell desired adventure in ‘the West’ from a young age. He is perhaps most well-known for his involvement in the Mariposa Battalion, and is often credited as the person who named Yosemite. He was also a soldier and surgeon I the American Civil War.

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Genres: History, American History, Nature

393 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 1977

Reviews

[marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to know how Yosemite came to be what it is, begin with this book, then move on to Muir and others. It's written by the doctor of the first group of white people to enter the Valley - a first-hand account of both the chain of events that went down that spring of 1851 and of Yosemite's Native American population, of which little is known.

[Dominic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found most of the book fascinating as someone who likes to imagine what our National Parks were like before mass tourism.

The author provides a first-hand narrative of Yosemite’s early exploration, the conflicts with native tribes, and stories behind the names of Yosemite’s unique features, along with their proper pronunciations.

I bought the book online but later realized that you can read it for free on the Library of Congress website.

[Candida · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yosemite

This offers insight into the awe felt by white settlers upon first explorations of Yosemite. First gathered as a posse out searching for a tribe of Native Americans that were to be removed to a reservation, these white men very nearly forgot their mission when surrounded by the unique beauty of Yosemite.

[Joe Hauglie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clearly written over a century ago. However, the narrative that he presents is captivating and makes for a good read, especially considering the descriptions he offers of seeing the Yosemite Valley for the first time.

[Gerald Hickman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very useful historical view of the CA situation in 1851. This is a great source of info for researchers and authors. And it is written by one of the main actors in the drama that occurred when white miners invaded the Mountain tribes areas in California.

The narrative exposes cultural conditions that thankfully are less common in today's world . The book may be shocking to many readers because of what was considered normal in those days of Old.
For example, the Indians stole livestock from the miners and settlers instead of working. When the militia defeated a rancheria or village they found large amounts of smoked meat and jerky stored there. All of this stored meat was made of stolen horses and mules.

The white miners were just as greedy and unjust as these incidents of Indian reprisal againsts invaders to their lands. I enjoyed most of the narrative except for periods of argument about what date something was discovered or who was the first to accomplish this or that. Good source of historical information.

[Maria Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating. The first 1/3 to 1/2 was super interesting. Then my interest flagged about 2/3 way through. I put the book down for awhile...
BUT after a recent visit to Yosemite I became fascinated all over again.
If someone with no editorial point of view would edit his book and then re-issue it, it would be a five-star book. Dr. Bunnell's observations, curiosity, detail, insight, conclusions, and records of the very earliest American explorations and settlements in California is an invaluable contribution to our country's history.
Yosemite is truly the jewel of the USA National Park system. This book marvelously documents its discovery.

[Al Lock · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read covering the Indian War of 1851, as well as the first entry of Westerners into Yosemite, the naming of the various sites in Yosemite, the Sequoia and description of both the area and the natives. Although very comprehensive and striking me as balanced, the writing style can be tedious.

[NormaJean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique source witnesses Yosemite. A bit difficult to read for Native Americans, aka "savages," etc. Wildlife also fares poorly. An honest account. Names names.

Author divides chapters into themes including glaciation, geologic theories of the day and flora.

[rjd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

Gives insight to how people viewed other races, economic privilege and westward expansion in the mid 19th century upsetting but accurate.