In the aftermath of the Civil War, the United States expanded the
exploration of her western frontiers to gain a measure of the vast lands
and natural resources in the region now occupied by our Rocky Mountain
States. As part of this effort, the Geological and Geographical Survey
of the Territories was organized within the Department of the Interior,
and staffed by a group of hardy, pioneering scientists under the
leadership of geologist F. V. Hayden. During the summer of 1871, these
men, accompanied by photographer William H. Jackson and artist Thomas
Moran, made a reconnaissance geological study of the legendary and
mysterious “Yellowstone Wonderland” in remote northwestern Wyoming
Territory. The scientific reports and illustrations prepared by Hayden
and his colleagues, supplementing the startling accounts that had been
published by members of the famous Washburn-Doane Expedition a year
earlier, erased all doubts that this unique land was eminently worthy of
being set aside “for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.” By Act of
Congress on March 1, 1872, our first National Park was established.
During the past century, 50 million people have toured Yellowstone
National Park, marveling at its never-ending display of natural wonders.
No doubt many have paused to wonder about the origin of these unusual
and complex geological features—a question, needless to say, that has
intrigued and challenged scientists from the very first days of the
Hayden Survey. During the past decade a group of U. S. Geological Survey
scientists, in cooperation with the National Park Service and aided by
the interest of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in
remote sensing of the geologic phenomena, has been probing the depths
and farthest corners of the Park seeking more of the answers. Some of
the results of this work, and those of earlier studies, are described in
this book to provide a better understanding and enjoyment of this great
National Park.
[Illustration: V. E. McKelvey]
V. E. McKelvey, Director
U. S. Geological Survey