The cultural legacy of the Sierra landscape has changed over time.   Archaeological evidence suggests that Native American peoples may have influenced the landscape for over 10,000 years. Research further suggests that the Miwok and Washoe peoples tended and manipulated the landscape for over 2,000 years in a much more dynamic way than once thought. Early accounts of the Sierra mention how "park-like" the mountains appeared in support of Native people's reference to burning, pruning, and otherwise cleaning out the undergrowth. With increased understanding of Native American land management practices, our view of the ecological role of fire has expanded.

For countless generations, the Miwok and Washoe used the summit as a meeting ground to exchange items such as obsidian and acorns. The Miwok followed the sequence of flowering plants, ripening seeds, and migration tides of animals throughout the Sierra gradient. Tribal knowledge of plants, insects, animals, birds, rocks, and weather was and continues to be immense which helps to maintain and improve their quality of life.

This tie to the land continues to strengthen as Miwok people work with the Forest Service and other agencies to secure and protect plant gathering areas and areas of cultural significance.

Explorers, miners, and then emigrants traveled throughout this region in the mid 19th century in search of riches and a new life. When silver was discovered in the 1850's the area quickly grew and settlements, of which the remnants you can still find along the corridor, were established. Chapter 1 of this document covers the historic makeup of this region in greater detail.

The area's historic and Native American cultural resources represent a variety of land use themes still visible in the Sierra today. Historically, emigrant travel and mineral exploits led to homesteading, cattle grazing, and timber production. Evidence of these themes can still be seen from the rust marks of countless wagon wheels on granite rock to historic cow camps deep in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness.

Additional material can be found in the History section of this site.

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