Before the Boundaries: How Yellowstone Became America’s First National Park

A geyser erupts in the evening sun across the fields of Yellowstone.

Most Americans can tell you that Yellowstone is America’s First National Park, but how did it come to be established and continue to sustain itself for 153 years? Before President Ulysses S. Grant put pen to paper and made the historic decision to federally establish the park on March 1, 1872, Yellowstone was a vast, nearly untouchable wilderness for many. From unknown territory to one of the top 5 most visited National Parks in the United States today, establishing America’s first National Park was no easy feat. 

Yellowstone Before Yellowstone

While Indigenous peoples inhabited and traversed parts of Yellowstone well before the 19th century, John Colter became the first known person of European descent to enter Yellowstone during the 1807–1808 winter season. Explorers and trappers continued to discover the area on their own, leading to growing interest in such a mystical place.

With staggering beauty and a vast landscape, most documentation from early explorers was often dismissed as wild tales, especially when describing the geyser eruptions—it all seemed too good to be true. The first publication on Yellowstone in September 1827 gave an account of Yellowstone Lake. But, despite its vivid account, many remained unconvinced that such a place existed. For the trappers and explorers who spent time in this area, however, it was a magical reality right in front of their eyes.

A buffalo herd running through water in Yellowstone.

The Expeditions (1869-1871)

As interest in this mysterious landscape grew, the first organized expedition was launched in 1869: The Cook-Folsom-Peterson Expedition. With only three explorers and no military escorts to help along the way, the journey was tough, but it sparked the idea of preserving this area as a public national park. The explorers later shared their discoveries with Surveyor-General Henry D. Washburn, who would later lead a more comprehensive survey of the land. 

Geyser with surrounding color in Yellowstone.

In 1870, Washburn led the next Yellowstone expedition: The Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition. During this exploration came the discovery and naming of the most popular attraction in Yellowstone today: Old Faithful. 

Following the Washburn-Langford-Doane expedition, Washburn shared his experience far and wide, attracting the attention of geologist Ferdinand Hayden. With interest in a geological survey, Hayden was ultimately given $40,000 by the US Congress to explore the Yellowstone territories of Idaho and Montana in 1871. Hayden would then return to Congress with 6 months' worth of surveying information, including visual accounts (paintings) from painter Thomas Moran, further convincing Congress that this should be a public park. 

Bringing Discovery into Legislation

On December 18th, 1871, bills to establish Yellowstone National Park were introduced simultaneously in the Senate and House of Representatives. Ultimately, after deliberation and consideration of Indian treaty rights, the bill to establish Yellowstone National Park passed with 115 yeas, 65 nays, and 60 not voting. 

Due to visual proof, railroad interests, and perceived economic value, Yellowstone National Park was established as America’s first National Park, passing through Congress in a short amount of time. 

The Lower Falls in Yellowstone National Park, "Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone," first painted by Moran based on sketches from the 1871 Hayden Expedition.

Memories of America’s First National Park 

The best way to see the beauty of America’s first park and its timeless history is through one of our amazing day tours. With several tour options available, we share glimpses of Yellowstone that most don’t get to see. 

Our comfortable, climate-controlled vehicles provide views for everyone, making it easy to sit back and relax along the way. No need to worry about bringing viewing equipment for wildlife either; we provide professional scopes and binoculars to use during the tour. 

Yellowstone’s ecosystem is full of wildlife diversity, including grizzly and black bears, wolves, foxes, bison, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, and more. 

Join us soon for an unforgettable adventure, full of wildlife, beautiful scenery, and rich history. Some tours show you Yellowstone. This one changes you.