History of Yellowstone National Park in Timeline
Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872, was the first national park in the US and is considered by many to be the first in the world. Located primarily in Wyoming, it extends into Montana and Idaho. Yellowstone is famous for its diverse wildlife, geothermal wonders like the Old Faithful geyser, and its predominant landscape of subalpine forests, part of the South Central Rockies forests ecoregion.
1900: The Lacey Act Enhances Park Protection
The Lacey Act of 1900 provided critical legal backing to officials prosecuting poachers operating within Yellowstone National Park, bolstering efforts to safeguard its wildlife.
1901: Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Connection Opens
The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad established a connection to Yellowstone National Park via Cody in 1901, further expanding access for visitors.
1902: Near Extinction of Yellowstone Bison
By 1902, the Yellowstone Park bison herd had dwindled to less than 50 individuals due to overhunting and habitat loss.
1902: Northern Pacific Railroad Extends to Gardiner
In 1902, the Northern Pacific Railroad extended its spur line to Gardiner station, providing more convenient access for visitors to reach Yellowstone's northern entrance.
1903: Construction of Old Faithful Inn Begins
Construction began on the Old Faithful Inn in 1903.
1904: Old Faithful Inn Completed
The Old Faithful Inn was completed in 1904.
1908: Union Pacific Railroad Connects to West Yellowstone
Expanding transportation options, the Union Pacific Railroad established a connection to West Yellowstone in 1908, making the park more accessible to visitors.
1910: Black Bears as a Symbol of Yellowstone
Starting in 1910, black bears became a symbol of Yellowstone National Park due to frequent interactions with visitors. However, feeding and close contact with bears were restricted in the 1960s to minimize their dependence on human food.
1914: Beginning of Predator Control in Yellowstone
In 1914, the U.S. Congress allocated funds for the eradication of predators considered detrimental to agriculture and livestock on public lands, including Yellowstone, initiating a predator control program that significantly impacted the park's ecosystem.
1915: Automobiles Allowed in Yellowstone
Marking a shift in transportation, automobiles were gradually permitted in Yellowstone National Park starting in 1915, eventually leading to the decline of horse-drawn travel.
1915: Rising Conflicts Between Automobiles and Horses in Yellowstone
The year 1915 saw a significant increase in automobile traffic in Yellowstone, leading to growing conflicts with horse-drawn transportation, ultimately resulting in the prohibition of horse travel on park roads.
1916: Creation of the National Park Service
The National Park Service was created in 1916, inheriting many management principles from the U.S. Army, which had overseen Yellowstone for the previous three decades.
1916: Establishment of the National Park Service
The establishment of the National Park Service in 1916 marked a pivotal moment in the history of park management in the United States, including for Yellowstone.
1917: Transfer of Yellowstone Administration
In 1917, the administration of Yellowstone National Park was officially transferred from the U.S. Army to the newly established National Park Service.
October 31, 1918: U.S. Army Hands Over Control of Yellowstone
After 32 years of managing Yellowstone, the U.S. Army formally transferred control to the National Park Service on October 31, 1918.
1918: Previous Record Yellowstone River Height
The Yellowstone River reached a then-record height of 11.5 feet (3.5 meters) in 1918.
1926: Extensive Wolf Eradication in Yellowstone
By 1926, park rangers in Yellowstone had eradicated 136 wolves as part of a predator control program implemented in 1914, significantly impacting the park's ecosystem.
1927: Milwaukee Road Connects to Gallatin Gateway
Further enhancing accessibility, the Milwaukee Road established a connection to Gallatin Gateway near Bozeman in 1927, providing another route for visitors to reach Yellowstone via West Yellowstone.
1933: Civilian Conservation Corps Begins Work in Yellowstone
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a New Deal program, initiated extensive work projects within Yellowstone in 1933, significantly contributing to the park's infrastructure development, including trails, campgrounds, and visitor centers.
1933: Record Low Temperature
The coldest temperature ever recorded in Yellowstone National Park was -66°F (-54°C) in 1933.
1935: End of Predator Control in Yellowstone
The National Park Service ended its predator control program in Yellowstone in 1935, marking the end of a period of systematic predator removal.
1942: End of the Civilian Conservation Corps Work in Yellowstone
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) concluded its transformative work in Yellowstone National Park in 1942, leaving a lasting legacy on the park's infrastructure and development.
1959: Hebgen Lake Earthquake Impacts Yellowstone
The powerful 7.2-magnitude Hebgen Lake earthquake in 1959, occurring just outside Yellowstone's northwestern boundary, caused a massive landslide, created Earthquake Lake, and impacted the park's geysers and hot springs.
1959: Hebgen Lake Earthquake Impacts Yellowstone
The powerful Hebgen Lake earthquake in 1959, the strongest to hit the region in recorded history, caused damage to roads and structures within Yellowstone. It also triggered changes in geothermal activity, creating new geysers and disturbing existing hot springs.
1963: Leopold Report Addresses Elk Management Controversy
In response to public controversy surrounding elk population control in Yellowstone, Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall established an advisory board in 1963. Their report, known as the Leopold Report, recommended a science-based approach to managing the park's elk population.
1966: Completion Target for Mission 66
Mission 66, a program aimed at modernizing and expanding national park facilities, was intended to be completed by 1966, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the National Park Service. This initiative brought about changes in architectural design, shifting away from traditional log cabin styles.
1970: Policy Change on Bear Feeding
In 1970, Yellowstone National Park officials changed their policy on bear feeding and started a program to educate the public about the dangers of close contact with bears. This was done to reduce the number of human injuries from bear encounters.
1973: Wolves Listed Under Endangered Species Act
With the passage of the Endangered Species Act in 1973, the wolf was among the first mammals to receive protection, a significant step towards its recovery after decades of persecution.
June 30, 1975: Magnitude 6.1 Earthquake Strikes Yellowstone
On June 30, 1975, a significant earthquake with a magnitude of 6.1 shook Yellowstone National Park. Fortunately, damage was minimal despite the quake's intensity.
July 28, 1975: Grizzly Bears Listed as Threatened
On July 28, 1975, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the grizzly bear as a threatened species in the contiguous United States, marking a crucial step in its conservation.
October 26, 1976: Yellowstone Designated an International Biosphere Reserve
On October 26, 1976, Yellowstone National Park was designated as an International Biosphere Reserve, recognizing its unique ecosystems and importance for conservation.
September 8, 1978: Yellowstone Becomes a UN World Heritage Site
On September 8, 1978, Yellowstone National Park earned recognition as a UN World Heritage Site due to its outstanding universal value and natural significance.
1978: Yellowstone Becomes a UNESCO World Heritage Site
In recognition of its unique geothermal features, diverse ecosystems, and significant geological formations, Yellowstone National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.
February 22, 1980: Previous Largest Earthquake Recorded in Yellowstone
The February 22, 1980, earthquake held the record for the largest earthquake in Yellowstone until the 2014 event, highlighting the relative infrequency of such strong seismic events.
1980: Eruption of Mount St. Helens
The 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, while significant, was dwarfed by the scale of past eruptions at the Yellowstone Caldera, highlighting the immense power of the Yellowstone volcanic system.
1983: Frequent Earthquake Swarms Highlight Yellowstone's Dynamic Nature
Between 1983 and 2008, Yellowstone experienced 70 earthquake swarms, demonstrating the frequency and unpredictability of seismic activity in this geologically active region.
1985: Earthquake Swarm Shakes Northwestern Yellowstone
For three months in 1985, a significant earthquake swarm shook the northwestern section of Yellowstone, with 3,000 minor earthquakes recorded, likely caused by minor subsidence of the Yellowstone caldera.
July 21, 1987: Teton–Yellowstone Tornado
On July 21, 1987, the Teton–Yellowstone tornado, the most powerful tornado recorded in Wyoming, struck Yellowstone National Park, causing significant damage to a large swathe of pine forest.
August 20, 1988: Black Saturday in Yellowstone
On August 20, 1988, dubbed "Black Saturday," strong winds fueled the ongoing wildfires in Yellowstone, leading to a dramatic expansion of the firestorm. On this single day, over 150,000 acres were consumed by the flames.
1988: Grant Village Rebuilt After Fires
Following the devastating wildfires of 1988, which caused significant damage in Yellowstone, Grant Village underwent reconstruction, with a decision to rebuild the structures in a traditional style.
1988: Yellowstone Fires
The Yellowstone fires of 1988 led to significant changes in fire management policies in the United States.
1988: The Great Yellowstone Fires
The summer of 1988 witnessed the most extensive wildfires in Yellowstone's recorded history, with nearly a third of the park consumed by flames, prompting a reevaluation of fire management strategies.
1992: Adoption of New Fire Management Plan
By 1992, informed by the 1988 fires, Yellowstone National Park had adopted a new fire management plan with stricter guidelines for managing natural fires.
1995: Yellowstone Added to the List of World Heritage in Danger
In 1995, Yellowstone National Park was placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger, reflecting the growing concerns about tourism impact, wildlife infections, and invasive species.
1995: Reintroduction of Wolves to Yellowstone
Wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park in 1995 after being absent for several decades. This decision, made by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aimed to restore the park's ecosystem balance.
1996: Controversial Bison Cull in Yellowstone
During the winter of 1996-1997, over 1,000 bison were culled in Yellowstone National Park due to concerns over brucellosis transmission to cattle, sparking controversy and debate among animal rights activists, ranchers, and ecologists.
1996: Previous Record Lamar River Height
The previous record height of the Lamar River, 12.15 feet (3.70 meters), occurred in 1996.
1997: End of Controversial Bison Cull
During the winter of 1996-1997, over 1,000 bison were culled in Yellowstone National Park due to concerns over brucellosis transmission to cattle, sparking controversy and debate among animal rights activists, ranchers, and ecologists.
1998: Last Visual Lynx Sighting
The last confirmed visual sighting of a lynx in Yellowstone occurred in 1998.
1999: Documentation of Nesting Bald Eagles
In 1999, twenty-six pairs of nesting bald eagles were documented in Yellowstone National Park.
May 2001: Yellowstone Volcano Observatory (YVO) Established
In May 2001, recognizing the importance of monitoring Yellowstone's volcanic activity, the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory (YVO) was created to track geological processes and assess potential hazards.
2001: Lynx DNA Confirmation
DNA analysis of hair samples collected in 2001 confirmed the presence of lynx in Yellowstone, indicating that they were at least transient to the park.
2001: Catch and Release Regulations Implemented
In 2001, to protect native fish species, Yellowstone National Park implemented catch-and-release regulations for all native sport fish caught in its waterways.
2002: Record High Temperature
Yellowstone National Park experienced its record high temperature of 99°F (37°C) in 2002.
2003: Changes in Norris Geyser Basin Prompt Trail Closures
During 2003, significant changes in the Norris Geyser Basin, such as the appearance of new fumaroles and increased geyser activity, led to temporary trail closures for visitor safety.
2003: Lynx Tracks Spotted
In 2003, tracks of a female lynx and her cub were spotted and followed for over two miles in Yellowstone. This was a notable event, as lynx sightings are rare in the park.
2003: Yellowstone Bison Population Rebounds
By 2003, the Yellowstone Park bison herd had rebounded significantly, reaching a population of 4,000.
2003: Yellowstone Removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger
By 2003, conservation efforts and management strategies proved successful, leading to the removal of Yellowstone National Park from the List of World Heritage in Danger.
March 10, 2004: Bison Fatalities Highlight Geothermal Hazards
On March 10, 2004, the discovery of five bison that died from inhaling toxic geothermal gases in the Norris Geyser Basin emphasized the potential dangers of such features.
April 2004: Upsurge in Earthquake Activity Follows Bison Deaths
Following the bison fatalities in March, April 2004 witnessed a notable increase in earthquake activity within Yellowstone, prompting further investigation into potential links between geothermal events and seismic activity.
2004: High Wolf Population Recorded
In 2004, a survey recorded a high number of wolves in Yellowstone, indicating successful reintroduction efforts.
2005: Wolf Population Survey in Yellowstone
A 2005 survey reported 13 wolf packs totaling 118 individuals in Yellowstone, a slight decrease from the previous year, possibly due to migration to nearby areas where populations increased. This suggests successful reintroduction efforts.
2005: Discovery of Hydrogen-Based Life in Yellowstone
In 2005, researchers from the University of Colorado at Boulder discovered that some hyperthermophilic bacteria in Yellowstone's hot springs rely on molecular hydrogen for sustenance, challenging previous beliefs that they solely depended on sulfur.
2005: Peak Bison Population in Yellowstone
The Yellowstone Park bison herd reached its peak population in 2005, with an estimated 4,900 animals.
2006: Mallard Lake Dome and Sour Creek Dome Rise Significantly
In 2006, ongoing monitoring revealed that the Mallard Lake Dome and Sour Creek Dome, areas known for ground movement, had risen at a rate of 1.5 to 2.4 inches per year since 2004, raising questions about potential causes and implications.
2006: Canyon Village Visitor Center Opens
Incorporating more traditional architectural designs, the visitor center at Canyon Village in Yellowstone National Park opened its doors in 2006.
April 30, 2007: Sixteen Small Earthquakes Strike Yellowstone Caldera
Beginning on April 30, 2007, a swarm of 16 small earthquakes, with magnitudes up to 2.7, occurred over several days in the Yellowstone Caldera, reminding scientists and visitors of the area's ongoing seismic activity.
2007: High Bison Population Estimated
In the summer of 2007, the Yellowstone bison population was estimated at 4,700.
2007: Uplift Continues at a Reduced Rate
By late 2007, while the uplift of the Mallard Lake and Sour Creek Domes continued, it did so at a slower pace, providing valuable data for understanding the dynamic nature of the Yellowstone Caldera.
2007: Grizzly Bears Removed from Endangered Species List
In a controversial move, the grizzly bear was removed from the endangered species list in 2007, but this decision was later overturned in 2009 due to concerns from conservationists and legal challenges.
2007: Start of Increased Visitation
Between 2007 and 2016, Yellowstone National Park experienced a period of increased visitation, with an average annual visitation exceeding 3.5 million.
2007: Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Decline
By 2007, approximately 7% of whitebark pine trees in Yellowstone National Park were affected by white pine blister rust, a fungal disease. This is relatively low compared to near-complete infestations in northwestern Montana.
February 27, 2008: Delisting of Wolves in Yellowstone
On February 27, 2008, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the Northern Rocky Mountain wolf population, including those in Yellowstone, from the endangered species list due to successful recovery efforts.
December 2008: Earthquake Swarm Rocks Yellowstone Lake
Over four days in December 2008, Yellowstone Lake experienced a swarm of over 250 earthquakes, the largest registering a magnitude of 3.9, highlighting the dynamic interplay of geological forces beneath the park.
2008: Sharp Decline in Bison Population
The Yellowstone Park bison herd experienced a sharp decline in 2008, dropping to 3,000 animals due to a harsh winter and controversial brucellosis management strategies.
2009: Grizzly Bear Protection Reinstated
Following legal challenges and concerns about the species' recovery, a federal judge overturned the 2007 decision to remove the grizzly bear from the endangered species list, restoring its protected status in 2009.
January 2010: Over 250 Earthquakes Detected in Yellowstone
In January 2010, Yellowstone National Park experienced another significant seismic event, with more than 250 earthquakes detected within a two-day period, underscoring the area's constant geological activity.
2010: Yellowstone Featured in America the Beautiful Quarters Program
In 2010, the beauty and significance of Yellowstone National Park were celebrated when it was chosen to be featured on a quarter as part of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program.
2011: Study Identifies Over 1,283 Geysers in Yellowstone
In 2011, a comprehensive study identified at least 1,283 geysers within Yellowstone National Park, underscoring its status as a globally significant geothermal area.
October 1, 2013: Yellowstone Closes Due to Government Shutdown
As a consequence of the 2013 United States federal government shutdown, Yellowstone National Park closed its gates to visitors on October 1, 2013.
March 30, 2014: Magnitude 4.8 Earthquake Strikes Central Yellowstone
On March 30, 2014, a powerful magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck near the Norris Basin in Yellowstone, serving as a reminder of the area's potential for seismic activity.
2014: New Fire Management Plan
In 2014, Yellowstone National Park adopted a new fire management plan that allowed natural fires to burn under certain conditions, marking a shift towards recognizing the ecological role of fire.
August 2015: Eighth Recorded Bear-Related Death
In August 2015, the eighth recorded bear-related death occurred in Yellowstone National Park's history.
2016: Record Visitation
In 2016, Yellowstone National Park set a visitation record with 4,257,177 recreational visitors.
2016: Discovery of Hadesarchaea in Yellowstone
In 2016, researchers from Uppsala University discovered a new class of thermophiles called Hadesarchaea in Yellowstone's Culex Basin. These organisms can convert carbon monoxide and water into carbon dioxide and hydrogen.
2017: Grizzly Bear Delisted Again
The grizzly bear was removed from the endangered species list again in 2017, but this decision faced immediate legal challenges and sparked debates about the species' long-term survival.
September 2018: Court Orders Full Protection for Grizzly Bears
In September 2018, a U.S. district judge ruled to fully restore protections for grizzly bears, overturning the 2017 decision to remove them from the threatened species list, highlighting the ongoing legal battles and conservation concerns surrounding the species.
2021: Suspension of Park Programs Due to COVID-19
In 2021, campfire programs, guided walks, and other interpretive presentations were suspended in Yellowstone National Park as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
June 2022: Record Rainfall and Flooding
In June 2022, Yellowstone National Park faced record rainfall and flooding, resulting in road closures, evacuations, and substantial damage to infrastructure.
January 2023: Thriving Wolf Population in Yellowstone
As of January 2023, Yellowstone National Park is home to at least 108 wolves spread across 10 packs, demonstrating a thriving and interconnected wolf population within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
2023: New Visitation Record
Yellowstone National Park saw over 4.5 million visitors in 2023, surpassing the previous record set in 2016.