All Yosemite-bound traffic through the Wawona area crossed the covered bridge, which was built in 1857 by Galen Clark. Clark opened the first way-station for visitors in Wawona and later became the first guardian of the Yosemite Grant. He sold his land along the river to the Washburns, and they covered the bridge in the style of their native Vermont. Its restoration was the first step in the creation of the Yosemite History Center. As you cross the bridge, listen for the low rumble of an oncoming stage and allow your imagination to return to the days of Yosemite's pioneers.