On September 19, 1870, a number of men were chatting around a
camp-fire in the wilds of northwestern Wyoming. They had been
exploring the Yellowstone wonderland. They had seen the
geysers,--little hot-water volcanoes,--the pools of boiling colored
mud, the great petrified forest, and the golden cañon of the
Yellowstone, into whose colored depths the snowy river leaps. The
exploration was over, and the men were about to start for their homes.
A group were discussing how they might secure the ownership of this
scenic empire. A monopoly of this wonderland would mean a fortune.
The discussion was interrupted. Cornelius Hedges arose before the
camp-fire. He said that private ownership ought never to be
considered. This region, he thought, should be set aside by the
Government and forever held for the unrestricted use of the people.
The magnificent National-Park idea was thus born by a camp-fire in the
wilds. The views of this statesman prevailed, and it was agreed that
the park project be launched at once and vigorously pushed. And this
was done. A few enterprising, aggressive men championed the measure so
earnestly that the Park became a reality in less than two years after
the idea originated.
This celebrated camp was near the junction of the Gibbon and Firehole
Rivers, at the foot of what now is National Park Mountain. In 1891 I
made a reverent pilgrimage to this historic spot. I am grateful to
every one who helped establish the Yellowstone Park. I am glad that
the idea of a National Park was a camp-fire thought.
The Helena (Montana) "Herald" of November 9, 1870, had an article by
Cornelius Hedges, containing what is probably the first published
reference to the park project. Honor must be given to David E. Folsom
and a number of other individuals for publicly suggesting,
independently, a similar idea. These suggestions, however, were barren
of results.
In the course of that autumn a bold park campaign was begun by
Nathaniel P. Langford, Cornelius Hedges, and William H. Claggett, who
had just been elected Delegate to Congress from Montana. Langford
lectured in behalf of the project before interested audiences in
Minneapolis, Washington, New York, and elsewhere; and he and Walter
Trumbull published magazine articles on the subject. Copies of
Langford's article in "Scribner's Magazine" were placed in the hands
of every Member of Congress.
Dr. Ferdinand V. Hayden, of the United States Geological Survey of the
Territories, became interested in the cause, and rendered invaluable
service. During the summer of 1871 he explored the Yellowstone region
and took scores of photographs. In coöperation with others, he drew
the bill for Congressional enactment, and marked the boundary lines of
the Park. This bill was introduced in the House by William H.
Claggett, December 18, 1871. Senator Pomeroy, of Kansas, immediately
introduced the identical measure in the Senate. Claggett, Hayden,
Langford, and others made a thorough canvass. Each Member of Congress
was personally interviewed. The enthusiasm, intelligence, and
sincerity of these advocates produced winning results. The question
came to a successful vote in the Senate, January 30, 1872. Senator
Cole, of California, opposed.
In the House, the Committee on Public Lands reported the bill
favorably. Henry L. Dawes, of Massachusetts, championed the measure.
It reached a vote, February 27, 1872, with the following result:
yeas, 115; nays, 65; not voting, 60. The bill was signed by President
Grant, March 1, 1872.
It is a remarkable fact that Congress should have thus created the
Yellowstone National Park. Through the ages the privileged classes
have had almost exclusive enjoyment of scenic empires. The campaign
which brought about the creation of this Park was brief, intense, and
unique. It was a genuine and epoch-marking achievement.
The National-Park idea has gone round the world. All leading nations
now have national parks and are planning more. Time is likely to stamp
our original legislation as one of the important acts of
statesmanship. A few public-spirited men of vision began a revolution
and triumphed. The anniversary of this event may some day be observed
with world-wide celebration. People progress in the improvement of
their playgrounds no less than in the ordering of their workshops.
Concerning this National-Park legislation, General Hiram M.
Chittenden, author of "The Yellowstone National Park," makes the
following comment:--
Perhaps no act of our National Congress has received such general
approbation at home or such profuse commendation from foreigners
as that creating the Yellowstone National Park. The lapse of time
only serves to confirm and extend its importance, and to give
additional force to the sentiment so well expressed by the Earl of
Dunraven when he visited the Park in 1874: "All honor then to the
United States for having bequeathed as a free gift to man the
beauties and curiosities of 'Wonderland.' It was an act worthy of
a great nation, and she will have her reward in the praise of the
present army of tourists, no less than in the thanks of the
generations of them yet to come."
It was a notable act, not only on account of the transcendent
importance of the territory it was designed to protect, but
because it was a marked innovation in the traditional policy of
government. From time immemorial privileged classes have been
protected by law in the withdrawal, for the exclusive enjoyment,
of immense tracts for forests, parks, and game preserves. But
never before was a region of such vast extent as the Yellowstone
Park set apart for the use of all the people without distinction
of rank or wealth.
It has been well said that "history is geography set in motion." And
"Geography," says Kant, "lies at the basis of history." The peculiar
geographic environment of the Yellowstone tract had a definite and
striking influence on the early history of the region. It attracted
few visitors and no settlers. To the pioneer and the Indian it offered
few necessities, and these were almost inaccessible owing to climatic
discomforts and difficulties of communication. Even to-day, for
commercial use, the Yellowstone country would support only a sparse
population.
But what formerly repelled now attracts. Time has brought changes.
Congested population, the necessity for outdoor life, the destruction
of most of the wild outing-places--these conditions have given to this
and to other scenic mountain places a high economic value; likewise
what may be called a nobler or higher value. Reserved and used as a
recreation park by the public, it has become an economic asset of
enormous importance. And through park use it conveys benefits to
thousands.
Yesterday the Yellowstone environing factor arrested, deflected, and
retarded the movement and the development of society. To-day it
attracts, arouses, energizes, and ennobles a multitude.