This is a photograph of the Three Brothers in Yosemite Valley, with reflections in the Merced River. The name was given to this rock formation in honor of the three sons of Chief Tenaya. Tenaya was Chief of the Ahwahneechees, who were an indigenous group living in Yosemite Valley prior to the Mariposa War of 1850/51. This photograph is used in the Native American historical fiction Great Spirit of Yosemite: The Story of Chief Tenaya. This novel re-tells the astonishing story of the Ahwahneechees and their heroic resistance to the invasion of their homelands at the time of the California Gold Rush.
ORIGINAL NAMES FOR THE THREE BROTHERS IN YOSEMITE VALLEY
There are several possible versions of the indigenous name given to these rock formations. Pompompa (Pom-pom-pa) or Kom-po-pai-zes (or Pompomposus), translated as “leaping frogs”. This is thought to be because of the appearance of the rocks as frogs’ heads about to leap. Another translation is “couple copulating”.
Yet another name has been given as Wawhawkee (Waw-haw-kee), meaning “falling rocks”.
During the Gold Rush, conflicts arose between the tens of thousands of new arrivals into California and the original inhabitants of the lands. These conflicts led to war between the groups. During the Mariposa Indian War, soldiers advanced into Yosemite Valley in 1851, to capture or drive out the existing people. In a second incursion into the Valley, the soldiers captured three sons of Chief Tenaya.
One of these unarmed sons was murdered. In recognition of these brothers, the rock formation was renamed the Three Brothers. The highest peak is now called Eagle Peak. This name was given because eagles used to nest on the peak. The other two peaks are known as the Middle and Lower Brothers.
These soldiers were the first white people to enter this amazing valley and to map and rename the wonderful sights. Many of the names given in the mid-19th century are the ones still in use today.
Hi, I am Paul, photographer, and author of the historical novel “Great Spirit of Yosemite: The Story of Chief Tenaya”. This ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ illustrated book is available in eBook and paperback formats through all major online booksellers from $2.99 (e.g. Amazon, Bookshop.org, IndieBound, Apple Books, etc) - details can be found in "Purchasing Options" in the "About the Book" drop-down.