"A most timely reissue of a truly original and highly captivating work that showcases all-encompassing military history, one that can help us all think more deeply about the relationships between a nation's armed forces and the natural environment."-- Gregory A. Daddis , professor of history and director of the War and Society Program, Chapman University "Harvey Meyerson updates an insightful study and includes a well-deserved tribute to Yosemite ranger Shelton Johnson and the Buffalo Soldiers whose inspiring park-protection efforts Shelton has single-handedly brought to life."-- Jonathan B. Jarvis , eighteenth director of the National Park Service Praise for the first edition: "Compelling and well written, this is a superb contribution to both military history and the history of environmentalism and the West."-- Russell F. Weigley , author of The American Way of War "A lively, readable, and, for many, surprising story. These army officers not only rigorously carried out their task of protecting Yosemite but, in the process, demonstrated a clear understanding of and genuine sensitivity to the environment.

"-- Edward M. Coffman , author of The Old Army: A Portrait of the American Army in Peacetime "Unravels the mystery of how the U.S. Army came to work with the Sierra Club to lay the foundations for Yosemite National Park and the National Park Service. Meyerson reveals that the culture of these institutions had much in common. A gripping, probing, and enjoyable story."-- Michael McCloskey , Chairman, Sierra Club, 1985-1999 "Meyerson chronicles an encounter of special importance to the histories of the conservation movement, the national park system, the army itself, and the expanding society the Old Army served with such a highly self-conscious sense of mission."-- Kevin Starr , State Librarian of California "A wonderful book.

It is meticulously researched and documented, and composed with a felicitous pen. For anyone interested in western, military, or environmental history, it is a must-read."-- Western Historical Quarterly "A superbly researched and well-written saga of the 'Old Army' and its highly successful and precedent setting custodianship of Yosemite National Park, considered ";a cavalryman"s paradise.'"-- Journal of America's Military Past "More than just a history of the Army';s administration of Yosemite from 1890 to 1914, Meyerson's book is also a character study of the 'Old Army.'"-- Journal of Military History.