John Muir and President Roosevelt

President Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir stand together at Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park, during their historic 1903 visit, with the breathtaking Yosemite Falls in the background.

Library of Congress

The Historic 1903 Yosemite Visit

In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt visited John Muir in Yosemite. Guided by the renowned naturalist, the president embarked on a transformative three-day wilderness adventure. The journey began at Mariposa Grove and included stops at Sentinel Dome, Glacier Point, and Yosemite Valley, showcasing some of the most breathtaking sights in Yosemite National Park.

John Muir seized this unique opportunity to advocate for forest conservation. Around the campfire, he spoke freely about the importance of preserving the wilderness. Roosevelt, profoundly influenced by Muir, later reflected, "Of course, of all the people in the world, he was the one with whom it was best worthwhile thus to see the Yosemite."

The Campout Experience

The first night of their trip, May 15, was spent under the Grizzly Giant in Mariposa Grove. Roosevelt, bundled in about 40 wool blankets, camped beneath the towering sequoias. The second night was in the vicinity of Sentinel Dome during a snowstorm that left five inches of new snow atop the existing five feet. The harsh conditions did not deter the men; instead, it strengthened their resolve and conversations about the natural world.

On the third night, they camped at the edge of Bridalveil Meadow in Yosemite Valley. Here, Roosevelt was Muir's captive audience. Muir passionately presented his case for the Yosemite wilderness and the inclusion of Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove in the national park system. He argued that dual control over these areas by both state and federal entities created unnecessary complications. Roosevelt agreed, noting that such dual control resulted in "triple troubles."

Legacy of the Visit

Their discussions bore fruit when Roosevelt signed the Yosemite Recession Bill in June 1906. This Joint Resolution accepted California's recession of the Yosemite Valley Grant and the Mariposa Big Tree Grove, placing them under federal protection and officially making them part of Yosemite National Park.

Roosevelt's admiration for Yosemite was evident in his words:

"There can be nothing in the world more beautiful than the Yosemite, the groves of the giant sequoias...our people should see to it that they are preserved for their children and their children's children forever, with their majestic beauty all unmarred."

During his presidency, Theodore Roosevelt's commitment to conservation led to the establishment of five national parks, 18 national monuments, 55 national bird sanctuaries and wildlife refuges, and 150 national forests. His visit with Muir in Yosemite remains a pivotal moment in the history of American environmentalism.

Quick Facts:

• Event Date: May 15-18, 1903
• Locations Visited: Mariposa Grove, Sentinel Dome, Glacier Point, Yosemite Valley
• Key Outcome: Yosemite Recession Bill signed in June 1906
• Roosevelt's Conservation Achievements: 5 national parks, 18 national monuments, 55 national bird sanctuaries and wildlife refuges, 150 national forests
• Famous Quote: "There can be nothing in the world more beautiful than the Yosemite, the groves of the giant sequoias...our people should see to it that they are preserved for their children and their children's children forever, with their majestic beauty all unmarred."