History of Yellowstone National Park in Timeline

Yellowstone National Park, primarily in Wyoming with parts in Montana and Idaho, was established in 1872 as the world's first national park. It's renowned for its diverse wildlife and abundant geothermal features, most notably the Old Faithful geyser. Subalpine forests dominate its landscape, forming part of the South Central Rockies forests ecoregion. Its creation was signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant.

1900: Lacey Act Provides Legal Support

In 1900, the Lacey Act was enacted, providing legal support for officials prosecuting poachers in Yellowstone.

1901: Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Connection Opened

In 1901, a Chicago, Burlington & Quincy connection opened via Cody, enhancing rail access to Yellowstone.

1902: Bison population decline

In 1902, the bison population in Yellowstone National Park had decreased to less than 50 individuals.

1902: Rail Line Extended to Gardiner Station

In 1902, the rail line was extended to Gardiner station, where passengers also switched to stagecoach, improving transportation to Yellowstone.

1903: Old Faithful Inn Built

The Old Faithful Inn was built from 1903 to 1904.

1904: Old Faithful Inn Built

The Old Faithful Inn was built from 1903 to 1904.

1908: Union Pacific Railroad Connection to West Yellowstone

In 1908, a Union Pacific Railroad connection was established to West Yellowstone, providing another rail route for visitors.

1910: Visitor interaction with black bears

Starting in 1910, black bears became a park symbol due to visitor interaction with the bears in Yellowstone National Park.

1914: U.S. Congress allocates funds to destroy wolves

Starting in 1914, the U.S. Congress allocated funds to destroy wolves on public lands in Yellowstone National Park, to protect elk populations.

1915: Automobile Conflicts with Horse Travel

By 1915, with 1,000 automobiles entering Yellowstone per year, conflicts arose with horses and horse-drawn transportation, leading to the eventual prohibition of horse travel on roads.

1915: Automobiles First Admitted

In 1915, automobiles were first admitted into Yellowstone National Park in phases, marking a transition from horse-drawn transportation.

1916: National Park Service Creation

In 1916, the National Park Service was created, and many management principles developed by the army in Yellowstone were adopted by the new agency.

1916: U.S. Army Management of Yellowstone Ends

In 1916, the U.S. Army's 30-year oversight of Yellowstone National Park concluded, marking a shift in management approach.

1917: Administration Transferred to National Park Service

In 1917, the administration of Yellowstone National Park was transferred to the National Park Service, which had been created the previous year, marking a new era in the park's management.

October 31, 1918: Army Turns Control Over to National Park Service

On October 31, 1918, the U.S. Army officially turned control of Yellowstone National Park over to the National Park Service, completing the transition of management.

1918: Previous Yellowstone River Height Record

In 1918, the Yellowstone River reached a height of 11.5 feet, a previous record which was broken in June 2022 when the river reached 13.88 feet.

1921: Mammoth School Opened

In 1921, the Mammoth School, created by the Park Service, opened.

1926: Park Service hunters kill wolves

By 1926, Park Service hunters had killed 136 wolves in Yellowstone National Park.

1927: Milwaukee Road Connection to Gallatin Gateway

In 1927, a Milwaukee Road connection opened to Gallatin Gateway near Bozeman, facilitating motorcoach access to Yellowstone via West Yellowstone.

1933: Record Cold Temperature

In 1933, Yellowstone recorded its coldest temperature of −66 °F (−54 °C).

1933: Civilian Conservation Corps Activities Begin

In 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began playing a major role in developing Yellowstone facilities through reforestation, campground development, trail construction, and fire hazard reduction.

1935: National Park Service ends wolf extermination

The National Park Service ended the practice of wolf extermination in Yellowstone National Park in 1935.

1942: Civilian Conservation Corps Activities End

In 1942, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) activities came to an end. The CCC played a major role between 1933 and 1942 in developing Yellowstone facilities.

1959: Hebgen Lake earthquake

In 1959, the 7.2-magnitude Hebgen Lake earthquake occurred just outside the northwest boundary of Yellowstone National Park. This triggered a massive landslide that caused a partial dam collapse on Hebgen Lake and created Earthquake Lake. 28 people were killed, and it also caused geysers to erupt in the park.

1963: Leopold Report

In 1963, after public controversy regarding elk population reduction, the United States Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall appointed an advisory board to collect scientific data to inform future wildlife management of the national parks, resulting in the Leopold Report.

1966: Mission 66 Target Completion Date

In 1966, Mission 66 was planned to be completed, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the National Park Service, but construction diverged from the traditional log cabin style with design features of a modern style.

1970: Policy Change Regarding Bears

In 1970, park officials changed their policy and started a vigorous program to educate the public on the dangers of close contact with bears.

1973: Wolf listed under the Endangered Species Act

With the passing of the Endangered Species Act in 1973, the wolf was one of the first mammal species listed in Yellowstone National Park.

June 30, 1975: Earthquake strikes inside the park

On June 30, 1975, a 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck inside Yellowstone National Park, but caused minimal damage.

July 28, 1975: Grizzly listed as threatened species

On July 28, 1975, the grizzly bear was initially listed as a threatened species in the contiguous United States by the Fish and Wildlife Service.

October 26, 1976: Designated International Biosphere Reserve

On October 26, 1976, Yellowstone was designated an International Biosphere Reserve, recognizing its ecological significance.

September 8, 1978: Designated UN World Heritage Site

On September 8, 1978, Yellowstone was designated a UN World Heritage Site, acknowledging its cultural and natural importance.

1978: Yellowstone Named UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 1978, Yellowstone was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its significant natural and cultural value.

1980: Eruption of Mount St. Helens

The text references the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens to provide context to the size of the Yellowstone Caldera eruptions.

1983: Start of earthquake swarm monitoring

Between 1983 and 2008, there have been 70 swarms of earthquakes

1985: Earthquake swarm in northwestern section of the park

For three months in 1985, 3,000 minor earthquakes were detected in the northwestern section of Yellowstone National Park, during what was referred to as an earthquake swarm, attributed to minor subsidence of the Yellowstone caldera.

July 21, 1987: Teton-Yellowstone Tornado

On July 21, 1987, the Teton–Yellowstone tornado, classified as an F4 with wind speeds estimated at between 207 and 260 miles per hour, touched down in the Teton Wilderness and hit Yellowstone National Park, leveling 15,000 acres of mature pine forest.

August 20, 1988: Black Saturday Fires

On August 20, 1988, known as "Black Saturday", strong winds rapidly expanded the Yellowstone fires, burning more than 150,000 acres in a single day.

1988: Large Forest Fires in Yellowstone

In 1988, extensive forest fires burned over one-third of Yellowstone National Park, impacting the landscape and prompting a review of fire management policies.

1988: 1988 Fires Impact on Animal Population and Fire Management Policies

In 1988, surveys indicated that the fires killed very few park animals, including about 345 elk, 36 deer, 12 moose, 6 black bears, and 9 bison. Changes in fire management policies were later implemented by land management agencies throughout the United States.

1988: Forest Fires Damage Grant Village

In 1988, the enormous forest fires damaged much of Grant Village, leading to structures being rebuilt in the traditional style.

1992: New Fire Management Plan Adopted

In 1992, Yellowstone adopted a new fire management plan which observed stricter guidelines for the management of natural fires.

1995: Placed on List of World Heritage in Danger

In 1995, Yellowstone was placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger due to the effects of tourism, wildlife infection, and invasive species.

1995: Wolves reintroduced into Yellowstone

In 1995, northwestern wolves imported from Canada were reintroduced into Yellowstone National Park by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

1996: Bison corralled due to perceived brucellosis threat

During the winter of 1996–1997, a large bison herd that exited Yellowstone National Park was corralled due to the perceived threat of brucellosis transmission to cattle.

1996: Lamar River Height Record

In 1996, the Lamar River reached 12.15 feet. This record was broken in June 2022 when the river reached 16.7 feet.

1997: Bison slaughter to combat brucellosis

During the winter of 1996-1997, 1,079 bison that exited Yellowstone National Park were either shot or sent to slaughter, due to the perceived threat of brucellosis transmission to cattle.

1998: Last visual sighting of Lynx in Yellowstone

Lynx have not been seen in Yellowstone National Park since 1998.

1999: Bald eagle nesting pairs documented

In 1999, twenty-six pairs of nesting bald eagles were documented in Yellowstone National Park.

May 2001: Yellowstone Volcano Observatory Created

In May 2001, the U.S. Geological Survey, Yellowstone National Park, and the University of Utah created the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory (YVO) to monitor geological processes.

2001: Lynx DNA confirmed in Yellowstone

In 2001, DNA taken from hair samples confirmed that lynx were at least transient to Yellowstone National Park.

2001: Catch and release regulations for native sport fish

Since 2001, all native sport fish species caught in Yellowstone waterways are subject to catch and release regulations.

2002: Record High Temperature

In 2002, Yellowstone recorded its record high temperature of 99 °F (37 °C).

2003: Bison population increases

By 2003, the Yellowstone Park bison herd had increased to 4,000 animals.

2003: Removed from List of World Heritage in Danger

In 2003, Yellowstone was removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger, after addressing concerns about tourism, wildlife infection, and invasive species.

2003: Changes at Norris Geyser Basin

In 2003, changes at the Norris Geyser Basin resulted in the temporary closure of some trails due to new fumaroles and increased geyser activity.

2003: Lynx tracks spotted in Yellowstone

In 2003, the tracks of one female lynx and her cub were spotted and followed for over 2 miles in Yellowstone National Park. Fecal material and other evidence confirmed their presence.

March 10, 2004: Discovery of dead bison due to toxic gases

On March 10, 2004, a biologist found 5 dead bison that had apparently inhaled toxic geothermal gases trapped in the Norris Geyser Basin due to a seasonal atmospheric inversion.

April 2004: Upsurge in earthquake activity

In April 2004, there was an upsurge in earthquake activity in Yellowstone National Park following the discovery of dead bison earlier in March.

2004: Wolf population in Yellowstone

In 2004, the wolf population in Yellowstone was monitored, though later figures in 2005 showed a slight decrease possibly due to migration.

2005: Wolf survey in Yellowstone

A 2005 survey reported 118 wolves in 13 packs in Yellowstone National Park.

2005: Discovery of molecular hydrogen as sustenance for hyperthermophilic species

In 2005, researchers from the University of Colorado at Boulder discovered that some of the diverse hyperthermophilic species in Yellowstone's hot springs gain sustenance from molecular hydrogen.

2005: Peak bison population

In 2005, the Yellowstone Park bison herd reached a peak with 4,900 animals.

2006: Canyon Village Visitor Center Opens

In 2006, the visitor center at Canyon Village opened, incorporating a more traditional design.

April 30, 2007: Earthquake swarm in Yellowstone Caldera

Beginning on April 30, 2007, 16 small earthquakes with magnitudes up to 2.7 occurred in the Yellowstone Caldera for several days as part of an earthquake swarm.

2007: Whitebark pine threatened by fungus

As of 2007, the whitebark pine in Yellowstone is threatened by white pine blister rust, a fungus, but the impact is less severe compared to forests further north and west.

2007: Average Annual Visitation Increased

From 2007 to 2016, average annual visitation increased to 3.5 million.

2007: Deaths Recorded Within the Park

From 2007 to 2023, a total of 74 deaths were recorded within the park. Driving is the leading cause of fatalities, accounting for over 45%.

2007: Summer bison population estimate

In the summer of 2007, the bison population was estimated at 4,700 animals.

2007: Grizzly bear delisted

The grizzly bear was taken off the endangered species list in 2007 in Yellowstone National Park.

February 27, 2008: Northern Rocky Mountain wolf population removed from endangered species list

On February 27, 2008, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the Northern Rocky Mountain wolf population from the endangered species list due to successful recovery.

December 2008: Earthquake swarm under Yellowstone Lake

In December 2008, over 250 earthquakes were measured over four days under Yellowstone Lake, the largest measuring a magnitude of 3.9.

2008: Mammoth School Closed

In 2008, the Mammoth School closed due to changes in employee demographics and funding agreements.

2008: Bison population decline after harsh winter

In 2008, the bison population in Yellowstone National Park dropped to 3,000 after a harsh winter and controversial brucellosis management strategies.

2009: Grizzly delisting overturned

In 2009, a federal district judge overturned the delisting of the grizzly bear, reinstating its protected status in Yellowstone National Park.

January 2010: Earthquake swarm detected

In January 2010, more than 250 earthquakes were detected over two days in Yellowstone National Park.

2010: Honored with America the Beautiful Quarter

In 2010, Yellowstone National Park was honored with its own quarter under the America the Beautiful Quarters Program.

2011: Geyser Study Completed

A study completed in 2011 found that at least 1,283 geysers have erupted in Yellowstone.

October 1, 2013: Yellowstone Closed Due to Government Shutdown

On October 1, 2013, Yellowstone National Park closed to the public due to the 2013 United States federal government shutdown.

March 30, 2014: Magnitude 4.8 earthquake strikes near Norris Basin

On March 30, 2014, a magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck near the Norris Basin in Yellowstone National Park at 6:34 am. No damage was reported.

2014: Fire Management Plan

In 2014, the latest Fire Management Plan allowed natural fires to burn if they posed no immediate threat to lives and property.

August 2015: Eighth Bear-Related Death

In August 2015, the eighth recorded bear-related death in the park's history occurred.

2016: Record Recreational Visitors

In 2016, Yellowstone National Park had a record of 4,257,177 recreational visitors.

2016: Discovery of Hadesarchaea thermophiles

In 2016, researchers from Uppsala University reported the discovery of a class of thermophiles, Hadesarchaea, in Yellowstone's Culex Basin. These organisms can convert carbon monoxide and water to carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

2017: Grizzly bear delisted again

In 2017, the grizzly bear was once again removed from the endangered species list in Yellowstone National Park.

September 2018: Grizzly protections restored

In September 2018, a U.S. district judge ruled that the grizzly's protections must be restored in full, arguing the Fish and Wildlife Service was mistaken in removing the bear from the threatened status list.

2021: Suspension of Programs Due to COVID-19

In 2021, campfire programs, guided walks, and other interpretive presentations were suspended due to COVID-19.

June 2022: Park Closure Due to Flooding

In June 2022, Yellowstone National Park closed entrances and evacuated visitors due to record-level rainfall and flooding that caused road and bridge failures, power outages, and mudslides. The Yellowstone River reached a new record height at 13.88 feet. The park partially reopened June 22 after a 9-day closure, with north and northeast entrances later opening in October.

2022: School Options for Park Employees' Children

As of 2022, resident park employees living in the Mammoth, Wyoming area may send their children to school in Gardiner Public Schools of Gardiner, Montana.

January 2023: Wolf population in Yellowstone

As of January 2023, there are at least 108 wolves in Yellowstone National Park in 10 packs, forming the core of a larger population within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.