Historical Events tagged with "wilderness"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Exploration & Discovery

Discovery of Mysterious Utah Monolith

November 18th, 2020 4 years ago

State biologists from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources stumbled upon a stunning metal monolith in a remote canyon in Utah. The structure, standing about 10-12 feet tall, drew significant interest from the public and media alike, as its origins remained unclear. Speculation ran rampant regarding who created it and why it was placed in such an isolated location. The discovery took place during a routine wildlife resource survey, showcasing the intersection of natural beauty and unexpected human creations.

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Exploration & Discovery

Discovery of Christopher McCandless's Corpse

September 6th, 1992 32 years ago

Hunters found a male corpse in an abandoned bus along the Stampede Trail, later identified as Christopher McCandless. He had ventured into the Alaskan wilderness seeking adventure and self-discovery but ultimately succumbed to starvation. His remains highlighted the risks of isolation in nature and provoked widespread media attention and public interest in his story.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

John Muir Founds the Sierra Club in San Francisco

May 28th, 1892 132 years ago

John Muir, a prominent naturalist and environmentalist, organized the Sierra Club in San Francisco in May 1892. The aim of this organization was to promote the conservation of the Sierra Nevada mountains and other natural landscapes in California. The club quickly gained traction among those who valued the preservation of nature and sought to combat the growing industrialization that threatened the wilderness.

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Politics & Government

Yosemite National Park Established

October 1st, 1890 134 years ago

Yosemite National Park was established by U.S. Congress in 1890, marking a significant moment in conservation and the protection of natural landscapes. This legislation aimed to preserve the stunning granite cliffs, waterfalls, and diverse ecosystems of the Yosemite Valley and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. The establishment followed earlier efforts to protect the area as a state park, reflecting growing appreciation for the American wilderness. President Benjamin Harrison signed the bill that officially created the park, which has since become a symbol of natural beauty and outdoor recreation in the United States.

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Military & Warfare

Grant's Army Shifts South from Wilderness

May 7th, 1864 160 years ago

The Army of the Potomac, led by General Ulysses S. Grant, disengaged from intense fighting at the Battle of the Wilderness. Following several days of brutal combat against Confederate forces under General Robert E. Lee, Grant decided to reposition his troops southward towards Spotsylvania Court House. This strategic move was aimed at outflanking Lee and preventing further losses, demonstrating Grant's aggressive approach and determination to keep the initiative against the Confederate Army.

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Military & Warfare

The Battle of the Wilderness Commences

May 5th, 1864 160 years ago

The Battle of the Wilderness began in Spotsylvania County, marking a significant clash between Union and Confederate forces. Led by Union General Ulysses S. Grant, the Union aimed to confront Confederate General Robert E. Lee and push further into Virginia. The dense underbrush and difficult terrain created challenges for both armies, leading to fierce combat and heavy casualties. This encounter would set the stage for ongoing military engagements in a campaign aimed at weakening Confederate resistance in the Eastern Theater of the Civil War.

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Exploration & Discovery

Hugh Glass Mauled by Grizzly Bear

August 25th, 1823 201 years ago

Hugh Glass, an American fur trapper, was severely injured after being attacked by a grizzly bear while on an expedition in South Dakota. The encounter occurred when Glass stumbled upon a mother bear and her cubs, leading to a dramatic confrontation. Left for dead by his expedition team, Glass would later embark on an extraordinary journey for survival across the wilderness.

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