Remnants of The Past
When you think of Yellowstone National Park the first things that come to mind are Old Faithful, grizzly bears, wolves, waterfalls, canyons and all the other things that are associated with an outdoor wonderland. These are only the tip of the iceberg of what this place has to offer in those areas. One thing that often gets overlooked is the rich history the grand old park has to offer.
Yellowstone National Park was named the world’s first national park on March 1st, 1872. There were three expeditions that led to this dedication. Before the expeditions trappers and prospectors were the majority of the white folk that crossed these lands. They were most likely looking for beavers to trap or gold and other precious metals. The lands were still home to the natives at this time and the area was home to bands of the Crow and Shoshone in closest vicinity along with other tribes using the area as a hunting and gathering grounds.
The first human related site documented by archaeologist dates back to 11,000 years ago. There are sea fossils that are 350 million years old found in the Madison Limestone formation. Did you know that redwood trees once grew in Yellowstone? These are but just a sampling of the vast history this place has to offer.
If you’re interested in exploring Historic Yellowstone we would love to show you around the park. Mountain Man Guiding is now booking 2024 tours.
Please inquire at: [email protected]
1/11/24
Did you know that the Roosevelt Arch is constructed of native columnar basalt? It was quarried locally in Montana and built over 6 months in 1903. No one actually knows who the designer of the arch was, a mystery lost to history.
President Theodore Roosevelt just happened to be on holiday as the arch was being constructed. He was in the right place at the right time and had hundreds of people show up as he did a speech dedicating the arch as the grand entrance to Yellowstone’s Northern Entrance. The cornerstone reads April, 24 1903.
The arch is 50 feet tall at the top and 30 feet in the middle of the arch itself. It’s only 25 feet wide on the ground, not as wide as our modern day two lane roads. The arch can be seen from miles away ever since it was finished in 1903.
Once you arrived by train to Gardiner from Livingston you’d hop on a stage coach and start making your way into Wonderland. It would take many days to move around the park and see all its features, unlike today. With today’s technology and a good guide you can get a highlight reel of Yellowstone National Park in a quick swoop.If you are interested in getting around Yellowstone, don’t want to drive and need a guide give us an inquiry at