On October 1, 1890, Congress created Yosemite National Park, America's third National Park.  President Harrison signed the bill into law that now protects the internationally recognized giant sequoia groves, waterfalls, and granite cliffs. Before the park was protected tourism, miners, and commercial exploitation was threatening Yosemite's eco-system. John Muir and Robert Underwood Johnson played a monumental role in campaigning for this congressional action which continues to protect 1,500 square miles of land in public trust. Now more than 3.7 million people visit the park each year.