Yellowstone in Black & White

A parcel of land was set aside to be one of America’s first national parks in 1872 and given the name Yellowstone. Congress voted to make Yellowstone a national park based on wild stories of a place where geysers, mineral hot springs and fumaroles (steam vents) combine with spectacular beauty and wildness. The beauty of Yellowstone was originally captured by the artwork of Thomas Moran and the photography of William Jackson.

I’m not sure what pictures members of congress saw when they voted to make Yellowstone a national park, but they may have seen something like this.

Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River from Artist Point.

Travertine ledges of Mammoth Hot Springs.

It is rumored that in the late 1800’s, Army soldiers protecting the park noted that Yellowstone had three seasons…July, August, and Winter. 🙂

…but, at some time the winter coat has to go!!

The elusive Wolf with the Canadian Geese staying well clear.

Grizzly in the neighboring Grand Teton National Park

We are grateful to enjoy this beauty and thankful for those that went before us with the foresight to preserve this national treasure. As President Theodore Roosevelt said in 1903…