After several pioneer lodging structures were destroyed by fire, Henry Washburn and John Bruce had this building erected and opened it in April, 1879. Bruce died in it in 1882, but Henry, John, Edward, and later Clarence Washburn owned and operated it until November of 1932, when the property was sold to the National Park Service. Yosemite Park and Curry Co. operated the hotel from 1932 to October 1, 1993, when Yosemite Concession Services began its contract to serve park guests.