Lafayette Bunnell was an American explorer, author, and physician who is best known for his role in the first successful expedition to explore and map the Yosemite Valley in California. He was born in 1824 in New York and grew up in a family of farmers. He attended medical school in New York and then moved to California in 1849 during the Gold Rush.
In California, Bunnell became a successful doctor and was appointed as the county physician for Mariposa County. He also became involved in the exploration of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and was part of the first successful expedition to explore and map the Yosemite Valley. The expedition was led by James Mason Hutchings and included Bunnell, Galen Clark, and William H. Brewer. The group set out in March of 1851 and spent the next two months exploring the area. They encountered many obstacles along the way, including difficult terrain, lack of food, and hostile Native Americans.
Despite these challenges, the group was able to make it to the Yosemite Valley and map the area. Bunnell wrote about the expedition in his book, The Discovery of the Yosemite, which was published in 1880. In the book, he described the beauty of the valley and the awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains. He also wrote about the Native Americans they encountered and the difficulties they faced during the expedition.
Bunnell’s book was an important contribution to the history of the Yosemite Valley and helped to bring attention to the area. In 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant, which protected the valley and the surrounding area from development. This was the first time that a federal government had set aside land for public use and enjoyment.
Bunnell continued to explore the Sierra Nevada Mountains and wrote several other books about his travels. He also served as a doctor during the Civil War and was a member of the California State Senate. He died in 1913 at the age of 89.
Today, Bunnell is remembered as an important figure in the history of the Yosemite Valley. His book, The Discovery of the Yosemite, is still widely read and his legacy lives on in the protected area that he helped to create. He is also remembered for his courage and determination in exploring the Sierra Nevada Mountains and for his contributions to the history of California.