Forgotten Historical Places inside Yosemite Valley

Jeff & Sarah visit world-famous Yosemite Valley in California to show and tell of historical aspects of the national park. Among them are the campsite where President Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir camped, where Kennedy's helicopter landed, site of the Big Tree Room, Curry Village history and the Stoneman House.

[@gregsayre4700]

Teddy is one of the most underrated Presidents ever

[@genoortiz743]

From the early 1950's, our family worshiped Yosemite as our summer home. Camping was $3 for 2 weeks. Some summers we stayed 5 weeks. We hiked lots. Merced Lake, 14 miles from Happy Isles, we did this often and camped there for several days fishing. We saw the Firefall from the Valley, and we even went atop Glacier Point several times to watch a man push the fire coals over the edge and into the Valley. Yosemite changed our lives for the better. We are in our 3rd generation of loving Yosemite. The crowds? We simply do not go where the crowds go. After all the years, we have our private picnic and swimming areas. For us, it is unchanged. It is the most majestic place in the world for our entire family. Next time, if can, we would love to see some pictures of the old Village Store with the Cowboy era wood side walks, and our favorite ice cream shop. Thanks so so much.

[@kaytlynwallace9567]

my family were loggers, all my uncles logged at different spots in the sierras, we would all meet up at yosemite and weekend there. I'll never gorget the firefalls, i loved it

[@johnrambo7630]

Jeff has the best Yosemite videos

[@netadubey6230]

My mom loved John Muir. She would cry reading anything he wrote. She would talk about Yosemite and President Roosevelt. And John Muir.

[@banjonichols3063]

Thank you. Next time we go to Yosemite, I will see it a little differently...Thank you again.

[@jbenziggy]

I’m glad that you appreciated our video. Enjoy the next time you go Banjo!

[@brookeshaffer4377]

Sending lots of sweet healing energy to lovely Sarah💕

[@barbaragraham6886]

I never knew about the Big Tree Room. How cool would that have been to have seen it? Sure wish it was still there Thanks for sharing, and I hope Sarah is feeling better.

[@Andie8259]

We really appreciate your "Gold Mine" of a website! SO many places that we look forward to seeing based on the insights you share!

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks buddy! We’re glad to have you along!

[@roddyandbella]

Enjoyed this visit even though the smoke interfered with some of the views. I camped there in the 50’s and 60’s as a kid and enjoyed the Firefall from Camp Curry. My mother wrote a poem about the Firefall I remember to this day. Thanks for some history I didn’t know about.

[@edwardaustin740]

Always excited to see what you bring for us to indulge on.. Thank you Jeff, you never cease to amaze me.

[@brookeshaffer4377]

Interesting historical insights and pictures.Sarah always finds things most people would have no clue it was there!Thanks Jeff and Sarah.Always love these videos🌟

[@wendygerrish4964]

Another fantastic adventure. Never knew there were so many big old hotels in the Valley in those days. Great find that corner marker by the big tree.

[@HollywoodGraham]

Camped a lot in the high country at Toullome Meadows and would on occasion come down to the Valley to watch the Fire Falls. Glad I got the privilege to see it, I did not go in the meadow by the way. Thanks for the background information on the old hotels.

[@DSToNe19and83]

Teddy and John’s experience together changed the ways of our relationship with nature we have today. I can only imagine the conversations they had over a fire in the middle of nowhere in such an amazing place.

[@Slick2462]

At my age this is as close as I will get to Yosemite California? So thank you Jeff and Sarah for letting me tag along!😊👍

[@carolynpurser7469]

Beautiful. Happy to know I'm not the only one who talks to animals the way Sarah does.🙂

[@williamclifford9757]

Been to Yosemite numerous times, Summer and Winter.Roosevelt and Muir had an insightful vision to set aside National Parks and Historic Land Areas. Thank you both for the beautiful area you showed. Sara always adds her delightful presence to every episode. Careful of the Ravine, might be the reincarnation of Vincent Price? Peace and health to you both, see you next week!

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you William! I think that camping trip was a divine appointment! Look how we are blessed today to have these areas protected.

[@virajr9542]

@@jbenziggy do you happen to have the coordinates for these (or other) location/s?

[@jbenziggy]

@@virajr9542 Sure. The Roosevelt campsite is at 37°42'56.4"N 119°39'34.4"W and the chapel is at 37°44'28.1"N 119°35'30.3"W and the Big Tree Room site is at 37°44'34.5"N 119°35'24.3"W

[@peterrehrmann9196]

You just showed why California is in such a quandary . Your in a national park and they can't even clean a historic place. Now think a all the other forests in California north to south and it's way down on the list for any debris control on top of beetle kill. We must cut down before they fall down

[@suzanneochs1543]

Thank you Jeff and Sarah for another wonderful historic trip down memory lane. My ex husband and I were married in the chapel in the meadow and posed for pictures on the little bench out front. We got to ring the bell at the end of the ceremony ! That was a beautiful day ! I love Yosemite and hope to make it up there again someday ! ❤🙏❤

[@jbenziggy]

Very sweet! Thanks for sharing!

[@RhettyforHistory]

I have not been there but would like to. I guess it should be mandatory since I'm related to John Muir! Sarah is funny with her animals!

[@KowboyUSA]

Good morning, Mister Rhetty.

[@RhettyforHistory]

@@KowboyUSA Good morning Kowboy!

[@jbenziggy]

You seem to be cut from the same cloth - gentlemen, interested in the world and eager for share your findings with others!

[@troyklinginsmith2523]

Good video👍🇺🇸

[@lauradougherty8426]

I love Sara's bird call. Thank you for sharing this history

[@jbenziggy]

Caw! Caw! LOL. Thanks, Laura!

[@cameronmccreary4758]

Yes, Jeff the world was indeed less populated and less complicated. It seems like someone always has an axe to grind nowadays. Thank you for showing us Yosemite; I haven't been there since 1968.

[@mtacoustic1]

Found a great way to see the sights by coming early, parking the car & then taking a trail bike all around the park. Extremely enjoyable!

[@markwolford4329]

Thank you for this… being raised in Yosemite, I find these presentations interesting. A small piece of trivia that is not known by many is John Muir was not always the ‘tree hugger’ type presented. He was one of the first ‘loggers’ cutting timber in Yosemite Valley and operated an early sawmill in Yosemite in his younger years.

[@cameronlawrence1254]

This was a great one! We live about 45 mins from the Valley floor and now we have new treasures to go discover. Thanks again for all you do. Wonderful episode. Your research is impeccable.

[@KB6YAF]

Another Sunday jewel of a video. You guys certainly go "above and beyond" in your research of the history at each location. Say, I think it would be a riot if Sarah added sub captions for her 'conversation' between her and the crows, etc. Thanks again for starting my Sunday morning off in the right direction! ......Russell D.

[@kimmartin8760]

Great video as always! Hope you fell better Sarah.....

[@philipedwards8762]

I have nice memories of visiting Yosemite a few times as a child in 1972/1973.

[@unbiasedobserver]

Beautiful video. That tree in the hotel seemed much larger around than it is today. How does that happen? I love Sarah talking to the animals and birds. Thank you for another Yosemite video. I’ve been there in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. God’s creation is breathtaking! 🙌🏻

[@alanatolstad4824]

Yessir, when life wasn't so complicated...Thanx, You Two.

[@jananderson672]

Such a magnificent and spiritual place. Love history of old buildings and when artifacts are found under them I wish I could see the park someday. Love the animals with Sarah. Love these informative and interesting stories.

[@WEHenry]

Hey y'all, Sarah you do a good crow call "got my cat interested when she heard it😂".another great vid.take care till next time👍🤠🌴🇺🇸

[@ToddEWalnuts]

Another entertaining episode, thank you for sharing. It was really cool to see the remains of that tree! Such a beautiful place Yosemite Valley is. Sarah is a gentle soul, that’s why the animals are her friends. They know. Thumbs up, as always.

[@georgelongfellowandersonjr9996]

Very interesting video. Thanks for sharing.

[@AB-ye7bw]

Absolutely love it! I was born here in Sacramento 62 years ago and have never had the opportunity to visit Yosemite. Your presentation makes me yearn to go. Love Sarah’s critter calls .

[@jbenziggy]

You must go! It is beyond compare!

[@curtgomes]

As a child I spent many summers in Yosemite Park. My parents bought a large lot in the Foresta Area near Crane Creek. This was in the late 1950s when that was still possible. We built a nice three room cabin on the property. It was an idyllic existence. I remember the nightly 'fire falls' quite clearly. We got our water from a fresh water spring and lived in the middle of the huge trees of Foresta. We kids had a great swimming hole near a water fall from the Crane Creek. Yosemite Valley itself was sparsely populated and uncrowded. We would drive down for supplies and to listen to the early evening lectures put on by the park rangers at Camp Curry. I hiked up to the top of Yosemite Falls more than once. We wandered all through the park without restriction. I even remember the drive through Wawona tree. Those days were so different. I thank God I had that experience. One summer I was in the park when an earthquake occurred. The noise from the rocks and huge boulders being disturbed was tremendous. I've never heard anything like it before or since. So many memories. Today the 'crowds' and restrictions make the experience so much less enjoyable. Two years ago my wife and I made reservations to stay at the Awahanee Hotel. Truly a majestic structure opened in 1927. Sadly, when we arrived the wild fires had filled the park with a thick smoke making breathing almost impossible. The park was completely deserted. We had to turn around and leave. Next year we stayed at the Yosemite Lodge and had a truly enjoyable visit. We will go back. Jeff, thanks for the info regarding the Sentinel Hotel. I was not aware of this very interesting history.

[@andyboyle3536]

Thankyou for this information. Here in Scotland we are very proud of John Muir.

[@lowieblack751]

I still remember that late Huell Howser the former host of California Gold talked about camp curry.

[@stevemccoy8138]

I haven't been to Yosemite park in years, to many people and buses last visit. How about the Big Hotel in the valley It was a awesome place. The Curry Company used to have a lot of horse's up there, I once knew a couple trucker's that hauled hay up there for the horses. Thanks for Sharing 🇺🇸

[@davepalmerton2429]

Thanks for all of the informative entertainment. Yosemite is one place that's on my bucket list.

[@jbenziggy]

You have to see it! Springtime is best. May or June is best!

[@davepalmerton2429]

@@jbenziggy Great advice, I need to make it happen.

[@royramey5659]

I was lucky as a kid we would go to Yosemite every year to camp a week or two. One of my favorite things was the fire falls.

[@carlcotton1753]

That was a wonderful trip. I have not been there since I was about 10 years old, 1957. It was neat to go back through your video. Thank you.

[@jbenziggy]

You need to plan another trip there if you can!

[@dougpeel3274]

Beautiful place and great bit of history of which some I did not know. Always enjoy your videos and your channel. 👍

[@fs357mag]

Another A+ video! Never heard of the Big Tree Room. Very interesting stuff. Hope Sarah is feeling better.

[@nicholedecker2979]

More happy memories! Sara when I was a youngster I was able to hand feed chipmunks in camp Curry! When I was in our church youth group we would drive to the park and hike Nevada falls. Lots of wonderful times! Thank you for sharing this video👍🏻

[@ralphbo]

Thanks for another great video. Those featuring this area of the Mother Lode are always my favorites. Way back when I was in Kindergarten, my mom, sister and I stood directly behind JFK as he gave a speech upon his arrival at Castle AFB and saw him fly off to Yosemite valley on Army 1. My dad had served with Air Force 1's pilot and was able to fly on the plane down to the Fresno Airport where the President would be picked up the next day. Looking forward to videos featuring Mt. Bullion, Mariposa, Bear Valley and Indian Gulch. Prayers going up for Sarah.

[@stevem5685]

10:10 Very cool , thanks for another great video Jeff

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks very much, Steve! Have you ever visited this national park?

[@stevem5685]

@@jbenziggy No I haven`t , on the list. :)

[@halfdome86]

Again, a very nice video. I'm amazed how many times I've walked by that stump and didn't realize it was there. We were married in the chapel. Well, on our next visit we'll check out the camping spot and the stump. Thanks for the video.

[@marcelosastre3621]

Legendario yosemite, belleza natural escenario de tanta historia de filmes, un auténtico legado universal para recrear y soñar con un escenario donde pasaron estrellas talento y humanidad en busca de paisaje para la prosperidad de los hombres y mujeres que pasaron por tan hermoso lugar, sencillamente 🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🍇🍇🍇🍇🍇🍇🍇🍇🍇🍇🍇🍇🍇🍇enorme documento para retener una vez más , jeff, y sarah ,

[@webchuck1]

Hello History Hunters, Thanks for sharing another great video on Yosemite and thanks for teaching us the history. Have a Wonderful day 🌞

[@jbenziggy]

I appreciate that Charles. Jeff and Sarah say hi!

[@wet8457]

Yes I’m here in Fresno I love it up there we go up there all the time did not know about this will look for that tree and stop to get out of car to see it thank you for doing this one

[@JanisLC]

Sarah always makes me laugh.. the bird calls are great ! So lucky to have her on your travels ! Love the places you go!! Thanks for all these great videos and facts ❤

[@melindagordonbeck8958]

Thank you so very much for the trip through our favorite place on earth! I’ll always, always miss Yosemite! Some people may leave their heart in San Francisco but mine will always be in Yosemite! Thank you Jeff & Sarah♥️ We used to spend every anniversary up there and played golf at Wawona (the only golf course inside a national park)

[@jbenziggy]

Oh wow. Sounds like you stopped going. Did you move out of California like a lot of folks are ?

[@melindagordonbeck8958]

@@jbenziggy yes…to Tennessee. What’s happening in California breaks our hearts.

[@jbenziggy]

@@melindagordonbeck8958 mine too! Hopefully we take care of things come September 14!

[@melindagordonbeck8958]

@@jbenziggy 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

[@jbenziggy]

@@melindagordonbeck8958 sorry I forgot you moved to Tennessee. It’s a gorgeous state but can a person ever get used to the humidity? LOL

[@user-ou4gz2pg4d]

Ok Jeff, this was awesome history! And no I did not know this about Yosemite, that tree room is so interesting (wild)... I'd be concerned about a lightning strike, not to mention the creepy crawlers that lived in it...yikes! Thank you lots for sharing all the info! You take care, watch the elevation. Lord bless you and Sarah. Yvonne.

[@joelhurley2678]

Thank you Jeff for the interesting story on Yosemite National Park. I hope one day to visit that area and see that beautiful Park. Always enjoy your history and learn something all the time thank you

[@CharlieBrown813]

Wow so beautiful there. Love the history. Thank you guys for keeping it all alive and creating a drive for so many of us to just get out and see things enjoying them and creating smiles and memories that will live inside us forever. Thank you Jeff and Sarah I truly hope you both know just how much you do for so many of us.

[@jbenziggy]

You are so gracious to us! We’re glad you find joy in our travels and videos! We are blessed by your supper and friendship!

[@CharlieBrown813]

@@jbenziggy When you surround yourself with great people You yourself become a greater person For that I thank you and for the kind words.

[@WalkwithHistory]

I love Yosemite!!!! Thank you for this video. Scott has rock climbed El Cap twice. I love that you found the hotel footprint. :)

[@Byrod1]

I enjoyed my trip with you, well done, clear narration and photos thank you.

[@davec9244]

LOVED IT ,and Sarah's bird call made my day bird whisper thank you

[@greyghostjay]

Again love Sarah feeding the squirrel! I have never knew this about this park. This is stuff that fascinates me too. Thank You for sharing!

[@tjarvis12]

Thank you Jeff and Sara for the great history lesson.

[@jbenziggy]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@harrisonmantooth3647]

Thank you Jeff and Sarah. In today's episode, you featured one of my two favorite, "anytime", destinations to get away from it all. YOSEMITE National Park. The other being, Monterey/Pacific Grove. Of the many times I've visited/camped in Yosemite, I never heard about the Tree Room in the Sentinel Hotel. Jeff and Sarah, you two bring History to us in such a way that, it almost seems alive. I'm so thankful that you two have this most wonderful channel. Please, take extra precautions to stay safe on your travels to bring to us these exciting moments each week. Stan

[@-RTC-]

My uncle married my aunt in the chapel on April 26th in 2008! It was an amazing time, but I remember it being so hot in the chapel. I’m on my way to Yosemite as I type this and will be there today for the next week. I can’t wait!

[@timberk5]

🌲 Awesome History Video

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks buddy!

[@cwb0051]

Another, Wonderful Video, Breath Taking Scenery, Gods Country For Sure, Thank You For Taking Us Along..

[@vernareed2692]

Wow what a beautiful journey!! Thank you! I don't think I've ever heard of that tree room or hotel,what a site! The creek or river there,the water is so pretty! Looks so peaceful,clear! Sarah's sinuses were probably irritated from dry hot air. Know that miserable feeling. Glad she was able to eat! Cute little squirrel & birds! The disappearing plant was funny! Ive had moles or voles,or some underground plant eating animal pull my tomato plants & verbernum(snowball bush)right down & nothing left!! Like in cartoons,but didn't know it really happens til then! Love that area you al were in,& would so love for the hotels,& buildings to still be there! Those historical buildings were awesome!

[@michellewhitaker8669]

I love Sarah's love for all animals!

[@suzannecrum9702]

Truly,a beautiful place! Wish we could go back in time and see it in its heyday! I would go!

[@darklyte24]

Very unique history, thanks for sharing this. As for the headache, possibly the higher elevation caused altitude sickness and or dehydration.

[@HistoryHunterSarah]

I appreciate your concern. I suffer from really debilitating migraines and unfortunately brought it with me that day.

[@darklyte24]

@@HistoryHunterSarah ahh sorry to hear. My wife gets that too. I hear cbd oil helps. Take care.

[@davesargenti6641]

Thank you.. Had my dinner while watching and enjoying your video...Every Sunday night.. Like watching Wonderful World Of Disney on Sunday nights when I was young having dinner.. ..1970's Thank you!!

[@jbenziggy]

Wow! Thanks! And I most certainly remember Disney on Sundays! So I consider that a compliment!

[@samuraikitten]

I love the story of Muir & Roosevelt. I'm so grateful for what they did.

[@dianeadams353]

Wow, I loved this episode so much! i knew from the get-go Sarah didn’t feel good when she had Saltines.😟 great history, I don’t know how you do it, Jeff. So thorough and entertaining! Please don’t ever stop.👍🏻

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks! I often say KZbin is now my second job! Lol. I appreciate your very nice and supportive comments!

[@chrisshields9716]

Forty army blanket's would be about four inches?

[@joetoppe4643]

I had no idea! I love the stories you uncover. Let's take this show global!

[@ednagreen62]

Thank you for bringing us along on this lovely field trip. ''Another reason Teddy Roosevelt is one of my favorite presidents!

[@normie2112]

Another interesting episode, thank you.

[@jamesminear2336]

Still on my bucket list of places I have never been in California! Thanks again for such a wonderful job Sara and you do 👍👍

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

I've only been to Yosemite once, a million years ago. Never occurred to me there was so much history there. Sad to see all those old hotels no longer there. Glad to see part of the tree is still there, though. Glad to see that Sarah at least found a couple of crows. :-)

[@jbenziggy]

Sarah always finds some kind of animal! We were at the river on Sunday and as God as my witness a swan goose did not leave our side for the next 7 hours and even followed us around too!

[@roseriddle7585]

I just love you guys your great good information you give

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks so much! We appreciate it, Rose!

[@michaelelmore5103]

Such a beautiful place! Hope someday I can see it in person. Thanks for the cool history and places videos!👍😃

[@jbenziggy]

You should visit there in the spring when the waterfalls are blowing!

[@tractorhyatt7044]

Would love to visit Yosemite National Park one day. That sure was smoky though. My wife and I were in Great Smoky Mtn National Park three weeks ago, but wasn’t as smoky as what you encountered in Yosemite. Thanks for sharing some park history with us. 🇺🇸🚜👍

[@raccabird8889]

Awesome video

[@mikes3174]

When I was a kid, my family would vacation at Yosemite every year. My last visit before moving to the pacific northwest was in 1976 with high buddies. It hasn’t changed a bit. Thanks for the excellent videos!

[@dougdegraff5892]

During my childhood living in Harden Flat, my parents took my sister and I to see the fire falls several times. It was an awesome sight.. Thanks for the history..

[@jbenziggy]

I missed it, Doug! It seems like a strange tradition looking back.

[@sharonlegg85]

Yet another great video. You give so much information. Thank you ❤️

[@Skidoodle555]

A great way to spend Sunday morning! A relaxing, informative video. I drove by those historical sights never knowing huge Hotels used to be there.

[@pamalameyering6112]

WOW brought back many childhood camping trips to Yosemite valley. I remember the fire from the falls it was spectacular to see. I did learn so much more about Yosemite that I didn't know. Thanks for the information.

[@tonysmith1059]

So happy for your educational adventures. My long ago Boitano family made Groveland their home. Thank you .

[@Ravelinn]

Jeff and Sarah. thank you again for another awesome look into the past.. we also have some great history in the UK, but i think the Big Tree trumps our stuff.. keep up the hunting xx

[@rhondaz356]

This video is so very interesting. The historical background is amazing. Thank you both for your FANTASTIC videos, and wonderful perspectives. 👏🌲🌿 great, old photos

[@jbenziggy]

We appreciate your awesome support Rhonda! Thank you for letting us know!

[@brendabryant6347]

So many places I want to see. Probably will never be able to, but you guys take me there. Thank you for sharing.

[@privatepilot4064]

Thank you Jeff and Sarah!

[@Julie-ms9ss]

Fascinating ! This is such a beautiful park . Thanks for all your hard work. I hope Sarah is feeling better. 💕

[@jennysjourney02]

I'm really grateful to John Muir for his work of preservation. I agree with him, nature should be kept as is for future generations. I lived in La Grange in '97, about two hours away. I don't remember the floods that year but I do remember it rained a lot, way more than usual. We played with ATVs in the mud that year. It was a blast. I hope Sarah felt better shortly after you left. She is so cute with the animals lol. Thank you for this video. I love learning about forgotten history.

[@jbenziggy]

Well did you know that John Muir tended sheep for a Patrick Delaney between La Grange and Snelling? Thanks for your nice compliments again!

[@jennysjourney02]

@@jbenziggy no I didn't, I'll have to Google and learn about his life there. I'm really curious now lol. I commuted to Columbia College for a year and used to hang out in Sonora and Jamestown. BTW, I'm a big fan of your channel and look forward to your videos every week. I've enjoyed watching your channel grow too.

[@traveler.west1]

I’ve been going to Yosemite over the past 48 years and there’s not much I don’t know about the park, yet you provided me some very interesting history I wasn’t aware of.And I agree with you, it would’ve been nice to have seen the Sentinel Hotel in the Valley. Thank you😊

[@sue7011]

Love history and your channel. Thank You for all your work, It flows effortlessly which we know is hard work!

[@hankfacer7098]

A wonderful visit afforded to an Aussie, thank you.

[@lindsaymacpherson8782]

I love when you film in this area stunning scenry and the history that went with it was amazing and seeing Sarah Dr Dolittle finding all the critters was loved Thankyou Jeff and Sarah for another great video xx

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks so much Lindsay!

[@lindsaymacpherson8782]

@@jbenziggy Your most welcome

[@jbenziggy]

I was supposed to send you our a card wasn’t I? I hope I didn’t lose your address.

[@lindsaymacpherson8782]

@@jbenziggy I dont wont you wasting time on something so small when you could be making such great videos

[@pamelakern2849]

Yosemite is beautiful!! I am glad they are taking such good care of it . The natural world is amazing 🥰🥰

[@cjaynrun]

This video was such a pleasure to watch. It brought back so many memories of camping in Yosemite as a kid with my family. I will watch it many more times, I'm sure. Thank you for making it.

[@jbenziggy]

That is awesome! Thank you Jane! It’s one of my favorite places on earth!

[@lheodeleon9640]

I hope we can visit this place someday ! Thank you for your Presentation ....!!

[@normcochran9414]

Absolutely gorgeous and I like the way you put it all together too. Can't wait for the next adventure cause I love your style of narration. You are A-1 in my book.