Galen Clark: People of the Parks Past Series #5

Galen Clark (March 28, 1814 – March 24, 1910) is known as the first European American to discover the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia trees, and is notable for his role in gaining legislation to protect it and the Yosemite area. For 24 years he served as the Guardian of Yosemite National Park.

Galen Clark

In 1853 at the age of 39, Clark contracted a severe lung infection that was diagnosed as consumption (as tuberculosis was called in his time). Doctors gave him six months to live, as they had no antibiotic treatment at the time, but counseled rest and outdoor air.

Galen Clark on Glacier Point

He then moved to Yosemite where he lived to be 96 years old - perhaps the pureness of Yosemite prolonged his life.

Grizzly Giant with Galen Clark, Mariposa Grove, Yosemite National Park

He is buried in Yosemite National Park at the Pioneer Cemetery among Giant Sequoia that he planted around him so they would keep him company for eternity.

Galen Clark's headstone in Yosemite NP

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