Historical Review - The James E. Raker Bill

H.R. 7207, also known as the Raker Bill and the Hetch Hetchy Bill, was introduced into the U.S. Congress by Congressman John E. Raker (D-CA). Also referred to as the Raker Act, this legislative act granted the city of San Francisco, California the right to dam the Hetch Hetchy Valley within Yosemite National Park. More specifically, the Raker Act allowed for the building of the O'Shaughnessy Dam and flood the Hetch Hetchy Valley.

U.S. President Woodrow Wilson signed the bill into law on December 19, 1913. Construction of the O'Shaughnessy Dam was completed in 1923.

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