Lower Yosemite Fall Tour - Early Tourism & James Hutchings

Early Tourism & James Hutchings

Quick Facts

Amenities

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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Early Tourism
After leading the first tourist party into Yosemite Valley in 1855, entrepreneur James Hutchings promoted the Valley's "Scenes of Wonder and Curiosity" in his own California Magazine. Not long after, a steadily increasing stream of visitors traveled to the Valley on foot, by horseback, and later by stagecoach. Makeshift hotels were often strained beyond capacity as news of Yosemite's scenic wonders spread.
James Hutchings
After bringing the first tourists to Yosemite Valley, James Mason Hutchings established Hutchings House in 1864. Using the boardinghouse know-how of his mother-in-law, he and his wife launched a career as Yosemite inn-keepers. Hutchings was a gracious host, whose charm made up for the lack of amenities in his hotel.