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Yellowstone Becomes First National Park
- The Yellowstone National Park Protection act was passed on March 1, 1872.
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North Pacific Railroad
- The North Pacific Railroad arrives near Yellowstone National Park.
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US Army Arrives
- The US Army arrives to manage Yellowstone.
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National Park Protection Act
- The first National Park Protection Act makes it illegal to kill wildlife in the park.
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Roosevelt Arch
- President Theodore Roosevelt famously dedicates the Roosevelt Arch, laying the cornerstone of the structure.
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Old Faithful Inn
- The second hotel at the geyser Old Faithful was constructed, called the Old Faithful Inn.
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Antiquities Act
- The antiquities act protects historic and prehistoric artifacts and scientific features found on federal lands.
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Union Pacific Service
- The Union Pacific begins train service at West Yellowstone.
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Private Cars Permitted
- Private automobiles are finally allowed in the Park.
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National Park Service
- The National Park Service Organic Act establishes the National Park Service.
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NPS Takes Over
- The National Park Service takes over management of Yellowstone, and the Army leaves.
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Hoover Expands the Park
- President Herbert Hoover changes the boundaries of the park, both by signing laws and executive orders.
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CCC
- The Civilian Conservation Corps and other federally funded work crews complete work in Yellowstone National Park.
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WWII
- Much of the Park closes due to WWII.
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One Million Visitors
- Yellowstone receives one million visitors for the first time.
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Earthquake
A 7.5 M earthquake hits west of Yellowstone, killing campers and affecting park infrastructure. -
Two Million Visitors
- Yellowstone receives two million visitors for the first time.
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Eliminating Open Pit Garbage Dumps
- Yellowstone eliminates open pit garbage dumps, in an attempt to make sure bears only access their natural food resources.
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Winter Lodging
- Overnight winter lodging is provided for the first time in Yellowstone, and is continued each year.
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Yellowstone Centennial
- Yellowstone celebrates 100 years of being a National Park
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Grizzly Threatened
- The grizzly bear is listed as a threatened species in the lower 48 states.
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Fire of 1988
- 793,880 acres of Yellowstone burns, but the park comes back stronger.
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Three Million Visitors
- Yellowstone receives three million visitors for the first time.
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Wolves are Restored
- After being wiped out there, wolves are restored to Yellowstone.
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Grizzlies No Longer Threatened
- Yellowstone's grizzly bears are removed from the threatened species list.
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Grizzlies Threatened Once Again
- Grizzly Bears return to the federal threatened species list.
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Grey Wolves No Longer Endangered
- Grey wolves in Yellowstone are removed from the endangered species list in most states.
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Four Million Visitors
- Yellowstone National Park receives four million visitors for the first time.
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NPS Centennial
- The National Park Service celebrates 100 years since its creation, and its establishment of Yellowstone as the first Nation Park.
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150th Anniversary
- Yellowstone celebrates 150 years of it being a park.