San Francisco and the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir: Hearings Held Before the Committee on the Public Lands of the House of Representatives, December 16, 1908 on H. J. Res. 184
Washington: Government Printing Office, 1908.
9" x 6", 42 pp, in original side-stapled wrappers. Minor wear to rear wrapper, else fine. An important primary source relating to the controversial proposal to dam the Tuolumne River, flood the Hetch Hetchy Valley (then part of Yosemite National Park), and create a reservoir to provide water to San Francisco and the surrounding region. San Francisco officials had floated the idea as early as 1901, but the proposal gained new urgency following the 1906 earthquake and fire. Opponents of the project (most notably John Muir) argued passionately for the preservation of the valley's great natural beauty and a vision of "development" based on tourism and recreation rather than support for urban growth. This pamphlet records congressional debate on the matter and includes statements submitted to congress from various parties on both sides. The outcome was a joint resolution "to allow the city and county of San Francisco to exchange land in the Yosemite National Park and adjacent national forest for portions of the Hetch Hetchy and Lake Eleanor Reservoir sites for purposes of a municipal water supply. " Much additional debate and negotiation ensued, but ultimately construction of the dam began in 1913, and the valley was flooded in 1923.
Item #24191
Price: $175.00