28 historic photos of Yosemite to celebrate its 125th anniversary

HISTORIC PHOTOS OF YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK A woman stands on the precipice looking out onto the valley. The striking photograph was taken in 1902. HISTORIC PHOTOS OF YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK A woman stands on the precipice looking out onto the valley. The striking photograph was taken in 1902. Photo: Library Of Congress/Courtesy Photo: Library Of Congress/Courtesy Image 1 of / 35 Caption Close 28 historic photos of Yosemite to celebrate its 125th anniversary 1 / 35 Back to Gallery

Yosemite's got a big birthday today: On Oct. 1, it celebrates 125 years since being established.

On this date in 1890, President Benjamin Harrison officially signed the legislation that proclaimed Yosemite the third national park in the country (Yellowstone was first, followed by Mackinac National Park).

Yosemite had been a tourist destination since the 1850s, when artist Thomas Ayres visited the area and came home with beautiful paintings and writings that inspired the rest of the nation. By 1879, hotels were being built in the area and in 1884, the park got its first concession store that sold baked goods and other supplies.

To celebrate its anniversary, Yosemite will be hosting a variety of special events that you can check out here.