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Pioneer Yosemite History Center
n.
A place of pioneers who profoundly influenced the birth and growth of the National Park idea. |
![]() [click to enlarge] Wagon ride with driver Burrel Maier |
The Pioneer Yosemite History Center consists of historic structures from different eras of Yosemite history. Originally constructed in different locations in Yosemite, they were moved to Wawona in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. As you walk among them, it is important to remember that the area does not represent a village. Instead, each building represents a different chapter in the Yosemite story.
![]() [click to enlarge] Doug Hubbard (YRL) |
![]() [click to enlarge] Wawona, location of Pioneer Yosemite History Center |
Due to budget cuts, the Living History Program, where docents assume the roles of historic personalities, is no longer running. However, during the summer the stage wagon and the blacksmith shop are open Wednesday afternoon thru Sunday. The rest of the facility is a self-guided tour of the building exteriors only. For more information check at Wawona Information Station in the old Hill Studio building in front of the Wawona Hotel. It’s worthwhile to take some time to visit the Pioneer Yosemite History Center, and with the stories presented here on these historical buildings, your visit should be more interesting. A riding stable behind the History Center is also open summers, and offers guided horseback rides.
The Pioneer Yosemite History Center is located in Wawona, about 4 miles from the park’s South Entrance along the Wawona Road, and is just a short walk from the Wawona Store parking lot. It is free and always open. Interpretive signs and self-guiding brochures are available. Ten-minute wagon rides are available from the Wells Fargo Building on summer weekends. Stable rides are available in summer from the Yosemite Stable behind (north of) the History Center.
An Environmental Living Program, funded by participating schools, is available where school children and their teachers live the roles of historic Yosemite pioneers.
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Copyright © 2005 by Dan E. Anderson. All rights reserved.
http://www.yosemite.ca.us/pioneer-yosemite-history-center/introduction.html