The Economic Times

He spent 50 years protecting Yosemite, then dug his own grave and planted Sequoias around it

Galen Clark arrived in Yosemite seeking health benefits and became its first guardian while promoting conservation efforts. He measured the giant sequoias and wrote articles highlighting the area's natural beauty. The 1864 Yosemite Grant designated the area for public use and required guardianship for preservation. Despite financial struggles, Clark continued to influence Yosemite's protection until his retirement in 1897.