Born in Canada in 1836 and orphaned at age 8, Frank Dusy worked at numerous jobs before arriving in California in 1858. During his 40 years there he pioneered in photography, discovered Tehipite Valley and other prominent Sierra features, led construction of the Fowler Switch Canal, helped develop the Fresno Scraper, promoted westside oilfields, served as a sheriff's deputy, fought for the rights of the Mussel Slough settlers, and operated a brickyard and several other ventures. A soldier, explorer, developer, and patriot, he died in 1898 at his home two blocks southeasterly from this monument.