Of all the national parks in this country Yellowstone is probably, the one most people think of when they think of national parks. As far as the name “Yellowstone”, this comes from the Native American people that lived both in and around the part area. In the northern area of the park are high cliffs made from yellow rock, bordering the Yellowstone River, thus the name, Yellowstone Park.
Prior to human history being recorded, a tremendous amount of ash was spewed over the Midwest, some areas on the eastern Pacific Coast, and areas of northern Mexico from a gigantic volcanic eruption. In fact, this eruption was so great that the famous Mt. St. Helen eruption in 1980 was nothing in comparison. Because of the volcano, a massive caldera was created. Before being named the Yellowstone Caldera, this was given the name “Yellowstone Supervolcano”. In fact, this region of the park is quite large and a highly active region for volcanic activity. In fact, Old Faithful, the famous geyser seen in Yellowstone Park is just one form of activity exhibited today.
Although three major volcanic eruptions have occurred over the past two million years, the most recent was as far back as 640,000 years. However, this area has experienced small eruptions over the years but nothing of any significance. One such eruption took place 13,000 years and left a huge crater on the edge of Yellowstone Lake at the center of the caldera. To give you an idea of the ongoing volcanic activity, in 2002, Yellowstone Park had 2,300 earthquakes recorded. Just keep in mind that these eruptions are so small and insignificant, they cannot even be felt and no damage is done. Therefore, consider the volcanic activity as an interesting factor associated with the park and not a reason to stay away.
In addition to the volcanoes, a wide crevice was formed in the Yellowstone Plateau. This gash was caused by floods from the earlier Ice Age and erosion of the river. Then, high on the Continental Divide are three rivers – Snake River, Green River, and the Yellowstone River. The three combined flow to the Colorado River, Columbia River, and Missouri River, then out to the sea. The Minnetaree tribe was responsible for choosing the name “Mi tsi a da zi”, which translates to “Rock Yellow River. Then, history shows us that the area of the now Yellowstone Park was penetrated by the white man as early as 1807 when John Colter from the Lewis and Clark expedition traveled there.
Around that same time, a few other white men had done some exploring and until around 1867, a few gold prospectors, world explores, and fur trappers were known to have gone through this region. In fact, in the 1830s, a man by the name of Osborne Russell wrote many pieces in detail, telling about the beauty of the region. As French fur trappers made their way through the region, they took the name given by the Native Americans and changed it to “Yellow Stone” or “Yellow Rock”. From that, park eventually became what we know it to be today – “Yellowstone Park”.
When the West was being explored, the area that is now Yellowstone Park was discovered. By 1871, most of the West was settled. For 20 years, the Mormon community had been settled in Utah, the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River had been both explored and mapped by John Powell, homesteads in the valleys were established by farmers and ranchers, and both the California gold rush and the Civil War had ended. As more and more people came to Yellowstone Park, it was decided that the natural beauty of this area needed to be protected.
Because of the increasing interest, Yellowstone Park was established as the world’s first national park in 1872, being finalized with the signature of President Ulysses Grant. No one knew at that time the impact this step would make on future parks. When visiting Yellowstone Park, you will be in awe of its beauty and vastness. In addition, the park is famous for many wonderful things to include geysers, hot springs, and of course, animals such as bison, elk, grizzly bears, and wolves.