A look back at 2019: Sequoia’s first-ever historical architect

Meet Elle Farias, Sequoia and Kings Canyon’s first-ever historical architect. Farias introduces herself as “new-ish” to the Park’s position on the cultural resources team and reveals her perceptions of the Mineral King’s cultural historic landscape district. Farias, who hails from San Antonio, Texas, admitted she was thrilled to land the Ash Mountain job and will work closely with cabin owners to maintain and preserve Mineral King’s historic resources. A look back at 2019

In fact, Farias will coordinate the preservation of the entire inventory of historic properties throughout Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. It’s no secret why Farias was hired now. Since 2003, when the Mineral King Road Cultural Landscape District was created, it has become more significant with each passing year. It is unique as a living history community in the entire portfolio of national park holdings. A look back at 2019

The annual meeting is held at the 95-year-old Barton Cabin. That cabin in West Mineral King, built in 1924, is an example of a property that the historic architect will guide through its own restoration/preservation treatment. A look back at 2019

There is also a farewell appearance by Nancy Hendricks, who acted as moderator for the Mineral King meeting, in her role as park liaison with the Mineral King community. Hendricks, who wore many managerial hats in her decade at Ash Mountain, departed last fall to be superintendent at Petroglyph National Monument near Albuquerque, New Mexico. A look back at 2019

Mineral King will be a constant newsmaker in the the 2020s as the federal government will spend millions retrofitting the historic Oak Grove Bridge and rehabilitating the entire 25 miles of the historic Mineral King Road. Elle Farias will play an important role in the process. That’s why she’s here.