Discovery of the Yosemite

During the winter of 1849-50 while ascending the old Bear Valley trail from Ridleys 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 Bunnels 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. Albion Press is an imprint of Endeavour Press the UK''s leading independent digital publisher. For more information on our titles please sign up to our newsletter at endeavourpress. Each week you will receive updates on free and discounted ebooks. Follow us on Twitter: @EndeavourPress and on Facebook via on.fb.me/1HweQV7. We are always interested in hearing from our readers. Endeavour Press believes that the future is now.