John Muir National Historic Site: Cultural Landscape Report

Killion, Jeffrey; Davison, Mark

The objectives of this CLR are to document the significance of the landscape at John Muir NHS and provide a preservation strategy for its treatment and management. Through a chronological narrative, the site history documents the history of the John Muir NHS landscape and all significant characteristics and features. The text is based on primary and secondary historical documents with supporting material to illustrate the physical character, attributes, features, and materials that represent the landscape. The existing landscape conditions includes documentation of landscape characteristics such as land use, vegetation, circulation, and structures. It is based on site research, existing surveys, and field reconnaissance, and includes contemporary site functions and visitor services to the extent that they affect the landscape. In addition to the narrative descriptions, existing conditions plans of the John Muir NHS landscape are provided. Findings from the site history and existing conditions are used to identify and describe the historical context and investigate how the landscape contributes to the site’s significance and if the landscape is significant in its own right. An analysis of landscape characteristics and features is organized according to landscape character areas and feature zones. Historic integrity is evaluated to determine if the characteristics and features that defined the landscape during the period of significance are present and reflect the earlier appearance. Based on historical research, existing conditions, and analysis and evaluation, Volume 2 identifies an overall treatment strategy for the John Muir NHS landscape. The report provides park management with narrative guidelines and recommendations and graphic plans for short- term and long- term management of the landscape. It is based on the GMP/EA and results from a treatment charette held at the park in July 2003. The premise of the treatment plan is that the park should be managed to improve the condition of landscape features and historic character so that the site’s rich history can be interpreted and understood. The John Muir NHS consists of three discontiguous areas that have been acquired over time. The House Unit, the original 8.9- acre parcel was established in 1964, includes the Muir House, Martinez Adobe, and orchards and vineyards that represent the crops grown during Muir’s time at the fruit ranch. Acquisition of the 326- acre Mt. Wanda Unit and 1.3- acre Gravesite Unit were finalized later, in 1993 and 2000, respectively. Although the recent additions are historically associated with John Muir, they possess fewer historical and cultural resources compared to the House Unit. The extent, accessibility, and evaluated relevance of primary and secondary source material has allowed for a greater documentation and detail for the House Unit for such landscape characteristics as topography, vegetation, circulation, buildings, and structures. Historical information and documentation associated with Mt. Wanda and the gravesite has been less comprehensive. As such, only the major historic landscape features and other pertinent information available on existing surveys are considered for Mt. Wanda and the gravesite.

John Muir National Historic Site: Cultural Landscape Report

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