History of Sequoia National Park in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 18, 2025

Sequoia National Park, established in 1890, is located in the southern Sierra Nevada, California. It spans 404,064 acres of mountainous terrain and contains Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States. It's contiguous with Kings Canyon National Park and both are managed together by the National Park Service. In 1976, UNESCO designated the area as the Sequoia-Kings Canyon Biosphere Reserve.

April 28, 1918: Crystal Cave Discovery

On April 28, 1918, Alex Medley and Cassius Webster discovered Crystal Cave, the second-longest cave in Sequoia National Park.

1922: Last California Grizzly Killed

In 1922, the last California grizzly bear was killed in Sequoia National Park at Horse Corral Meadow.

1976: UNESCO Designation

In 1976, UNESCO designated Sequoia and Kings Canyon as a Biosphere Reserve, recognizing the area's ecological significance.

1978: Mineral King Annexation

In 1978, Mineral King, a former mining site, was annexed to Sequoia National Park after grassroots efforts fought off attempts by the Walt Disney Company to develop it into a ski resort.

1984: Sequoia-Kings Canyon Wilderness Designation

In 1984, the majority of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks was designated as Sequoia-Kings Canyon Wilderness, accessible only by foot or horseback.