Lincoln Preserved the Wilderness

On June 30, 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed a piece of legislation that may have seemed trifling, especially against the backdrop of the Civil War. But by signing the Yosemite Valley Grant Act, Lincoln protected the magnificent wilderness that is Yosemite National Park.

The 1864 law is considered the first legislation designed to protect a wilderness area in the United States and it eventually led to the creation of the National Parks. The example was also followed by other countries, and resulted in wilderness preserves around the world.

Having spent most of last week in Yosemite, I'm deeply appreciative of Lincoln taking the time, 145 years ago today, to sign the legislation that helped begin the conservation movement.

Photograph: Abraham Lincoln by Alexander Gardner, November 1863/courtesy Library of Congress