Yellowstone History
From the 1872 act that created the world's first national park to the U.S. Cavalry years, the rise of rail tourism, and the conservation comeback of wolves and bison — these articles trace the people, policies, and forces that shaped Yellowstone.
Articles
(source: nps.gov)The Creation of Yellowstone
How the world's first national park was born from the 1872 Yellowstone Park Protection Act.
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(source: nps.gov)Early Exploration
The Washburn-Langford-Doane and Hayden expeditions that revealed Yellowstone to the world.
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(source: nps.gov)The Army Years (1886–1918)
How the U.S. Cavalry saved Yellowstone from poachers and laid the foundation for the National Park Service.
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(source: nps.gov)Famous Geysers
Old Faithful, Steamboat, Beehive — the history of Yellowstone's most iconic thermal features.
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(source: nps.gov)Historic Lodges
Old Faithful Inn, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, and the rustic architecture that defined park hospitality.
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(source: nps.gov)Railroad Tourism
How the Northern Pacific Railroad created the modern American vacation and shaped Yellowstone tourism.
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(source: nps.gov)The Yellowstone Supervolcano
The geologic history of one of Earth's largest volcanic systems — and what it means today.
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(source: nps.gov)Wildlife Conservation
From near-extinction to recovery — the story of bison, wolves, and grizzlies in Yellowstone.
Read article →(source: nps.gov)Native American Presence
The 11,000-year history of Indigenous peoples in the Yellowstone region.
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(source: nps.gov)Early Photography
How Jackson, Moran, and Haynes used cameras to convince Congress to create the world's first national park.
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(source: nps.gov)The 1988 Yellowstone Fires
The summer that burned 36% of the park, rewrote federal fire policy, and proved Yellowstone is a fire ecosystem.
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