Earliest Habitation
Yurok house
Native Americans have been living in the redwood forest for at least as long as the last three millennia. During the 19th century, the Yuroks were the largest group in the area.
Gold Rush
The discovery of gold around the Trinity River in the mid-19th century drew whites to the area. Many of them stayed afterward, causing a steep decline in Indian numbers.
Logging
Modern logging
Miners weren't the only adventurers looking to make a buck in mid-19th century northern California. The first major redwood logging operation dates to 1850.
Conservationists
Conservationists seeking to protect the forest won their first victory with the creation of California Redwood Park in 1902. Today, this park is known as Big Basin Redwoods State Park.
More State Parks
The conservationist movement made little headway with creating a national park, but did enjoy more success at the state level. The 1902 victory was followed by the creation of other parks, nature reserves and rest areas over the following decades.
Redwood National Park
Redwood National Park was finally created by the U.S. Congress and President Lyndon Johnson in 1968. The addition more than doubled the total forest area protected.
Article Written By Edwin Thomas
Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.
