Series: Historic Orchards in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park has several historic orchards that shed light on the transitional period of homesteading and public land conservation that occurred in the mid-to-late 1800s in California. Composed primarily of apple trees, these orchards are substantial living remnants of European-American settlement in the area that would become the national park.

  • Yosemite National Park

    Article 1: Historic Orchards in Yosemite National Park

    A grouping of mature apple trees stands in an open area of tall yellow grass, with mountains behind

    Yosemite National Park has several historic orchards that shed light on the transitional period of homesteading and public land conservation that occurred in the mid-to-late 1800s in California. Composed primarily of apple trees, these orchards are substantial living remnants of European-American settlement in the area that would become the national park. The original orchards remain to this day and provide a rich collection of human and horticultural history. Read more

  • Yosemite National Park

    Article 2: Historic Apple Cultivars in Yosemite National Park

    Watercolor illustration of Spitzenburg apple, a whole red apple and cross-section of apple interior

    The orchards of Yosemite date to the mid-1800s, a period when the state saw an influx of settlers. It was also an unrivaled era for the development of new fruit tree varieties. Orchards were a common feature of homesteads and ranches throughout the country, and grafted trees led to a greater variety of trees suited to different growing conditions. An inventory of the Yosemite orchards included genetic testing of the trees. Explore cultivars growing in the historic orchards. Read more

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    Article 3: Curry Orchard

    1920s model cars park around mature fruit trees and stones, with steep cliffs behind

    Curry Orchard, which was planted in 1860 by the first European American homesteader in Yosemite Valley, James Lamon, now serves as a parking lot for visitors to Curry Village. Learn about the history, development, and cultivars of Curry Orchard. Read more

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    Article 4: Galen Clark and Washburn Orchards

    Engraved illustration of the two-story Wawona Hotel and surrounding features

    Galen Clark came to California in 1853 and worked as a miner and surveyor. While the Wawona area was long inhabited by the Southern Miwok people, Clark became the first non-Native year-round inhabitant of Wawona. Over time, he developed and operated a hotel for visitors. The orchard, likely planted at the site between 1879 and 1885, was cultivated into the 1920s. An orchard inventory in 2016-2017 showed that 15 apple trees and one pear tree remained in Galen Clark Orchard. Read more

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    Article 5: Hutchings Orchard

    Five people in hats and coats sit horseback, with steep cliffs and a waterfall in background

    James Mason Hutchings was born in England and migrated to California during the Gold Rush. In 1855, he organized the first recreational trip to Yosemite Valley, which began a career promoting and developing the valley. Learn more about the history, development, and cultivars of the Hutchings Orchard near the base of Yosemite Falls. Read more

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    Article 6: Lamon Orchard

    Mature apple trees with yellow leaves are spaced across a level field in a valley

    Lamon Orchard, dating from 1859, is the largest post-gold-rush era (1850s-1870s) orchard in California, the largest and most intact apple orchard from the 1850s within the National Park System, and the last above ground remnant of the first non-indigenous, settler homestead in Yosemite Valley. Learn more about the history, development, and cultivars of Lamon Orchard. Read more

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    Article 7: Meyer Orchard

    An unpaved road leads through an orchard of fruit trees and a farmhouse on the right side.

    The Meyer Orchard, planted between 1873 and the early 1880s, was part of the Meyer Ranch. The ranch was the last stop before entering Yosemite on the Coulterville Road, the first wagon road into the park. The apples went to stores and hotels inside the park and were made into cider. Learn more about the history, development, and cultivars of the Meyer Orchard. Read more

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    Article 8: Johnny Wilson's Place Orchard

    Black and white photo shows a cluster of bare fruit trees with structures in the background (1928).

    Johnny Wilson’s Place Orchard was planted sometime between 1873 and 1917. Johnny Wilson, who was Southern Sierra Miwok, received a 30-acre allotment from the General Land Office in 1917 for land he and his family were living and farming on. They planted and farmed the orchard along with a vegetable garden until Johnny’s death in 1937. Today a few fruit trees remain from Johnny Wilson’s Orchard, telling a story of change and resilience for indigenous people in the area. Read more

Tags: historic orchard cultural landscape