1906 Arthur C. Pillsbury Panoramic Photograph of El Capitan, Yosemite National Park

This is a 1906 Arthur C. Pillsbury panoramic photograph of the southeast face of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, California. Measuring nearly a yard tall, El Capitan 3000-foot elevation towers above a stand of trees along the banks of the Merced River in the foreground.

El Capitan

El Capitan is a majestic granite monolith located in Yosemite National Park, California, standing at about 3,000 feet (900 meters) from base to summit. Towering over the Yosemite Valley, it is one of the most iconic landmarks in the park and a world-renowned destination for rock climbers, especially for its nearly vertical face. The sheer cliff has been the site of numerous historic climbs, including the first free ascent of the Dawn Wall, considered one of the most difficult climbs in the world. El Capitan’s grandeur also attracts visitors who simply want to witness its imposing beauty and the stunning vistas it offers.

Publication History and Census

This photograph was taken by Arthur C. Pillsbury and copyrighted in 1906 by the Pillsbury Picture Company. This is the only known cataloged example of the present photograph.