Chapter CLXXXIV. authorizing a Grant to the State of California of the “Yo-Semite Valley,” and of the Land embracing the “Mariposa Dig Tree Grove.”June 30, 1864. *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,* ThatThe “Yo-Semite Valley” granted, to Ca
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Chap. CLXXXIV.— An Act authorizing a Grant to the State of California of the “Yo-Semite Valley,” and of the Land embracing the “Mariposa Dig Tree Grove.”June 30, 1864. *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,* ThatThe “Yo-Semite Valley” granted, to California. there shall be, and is hereby, granted to the State of California the “Cleft” or “Gorge” in the granite peak of the Sierra Nevada mountains, situated in the county of Mariposa, in the State aforesaid, and the headwaters of the Merced River, and known as the Yo-Semite valley, with its branches or spurs, in estimated length fifteen miles, and in average width one mile back from the main edge of the precipice, on each side of the valley, with the stipulation,Conditions of grant. nevertheless, that the said State shall accept this grant upon the express conditions that the premises shall be held for public use, resort, and recreation; shall be inalienable for all time; but leases not exceedingLeases and income therefrom. ten years may be granted for portions of said premises.
All incomes derived from leases of privileges to be expended in the preservation and improvement of the property, or the roads leading thereto;Boundaries, how established. the boundaries to be established at the cost of said State by the United States surveyor-general of California, whose official plat, when affirmed by the commissioner of the general land-office, shall constitute the evidence of the locus, extent, and limits of the said Cleft or Gorge; the premises to be managed by the governor of the State with eight other commissioners, to be appointed by the executive of California, and who shall receive no compensation for their services.
Sec. 2. *And be it further enacted,* That“Mariposa Big Tree Grove” granted to California.Conditions of grant. there shall likewise be, and there is hereby, granted to the said State of California the tracts embracing what is known as the “Mariposa Big Tree Grove,” not to exceed the area of four sections, and to be taken in legal subdivisions of one quarter section each, with the like stipulation as expressed in the first section of this act as to the State’s acceptance, with like conditions as in the first section of this act as to inalienability, yet with same lease privilege; the income to be expended in preservation, improvement, and protection of the property; the premises to be managed by commissioners as stipulated in the first section of this act, and to be taken in legal subdivisions as aforesaid; and the official plat of the United States surveyor-general, when affirmed by the commissioner of the general land-office, to be tho evidence of the locus of the said Mariposa Big Tree Grove.
Approved, June 30, 1864.