On this day 150 Years ago! (August 6, 1871) The group crosses the Continental Divide for the first time as they ride from the Upper Geyser Basin toward the West Thumb. While camping at Shoshone Lake that evening, Graham and…
On this day 150 Years ago! (August 5, 1871) William Henry Jackson's photographs of 1871 were instrumental in convincing Congress to pass the National Park Protection Act which set aside the area as a park. On this date he captured…
On this day 150 Years ago! (August 4, 1871) Thomas Moran draws a watercolor sketch of the Grand Prismatic Spring (top view), which he titles "Great Springs of the Firehole River." Graham is in awe of the artist's immense talent…
On this day 150 Years ago! (August 2, 1871) The Hayden group explored the Lower Geyser Basin. While everyone waited for Great Fountain Geyser to erupt, Graham and a soldier (Pvt. Foley) searched the area for nearby hot springs where…
On this day 150 Years ago! (August 1, 1871) Mineralogist Albert Peale (who was also trained as a physician) took extensive temperature readings and samples of hot springs and other thermal features. Graham was recruited to assist Peale, who often…
On this day 150 Years ago! (July 31, 1871) A smaller group from Hayden's team traveled from the lakeshore to the edge of the Lower Geyser Basin at Nez Perce Creek. An Odometer wagon was pulled behind a mule to…
On this day 150 Years ago! (July 29, 1871) James Stevenson and artist Henry Elliott use the "Annie" to visit the island closest to the northern shore of Yellowsone Lake. Elliott sketches the island and names it after the Survey…
On this day 150 Years ago! (July 28, 1871) The Hayden Expedition reaches Yellowstone Lake. They assemble a small boat and craft a sail from a horse blanket. The boat is named "Annie". William Henry Jackson takes a photo of…
On this day 150 Years ago! (July 27, 1871) The Hayden Expedition reaches the Mud Volcano and Dragon's Mouth on the west bank of the Yellowstone River. A young man from Pennsylvania is dazed and confused as he awakens to…
150 years ago today, the Hayden Expedition entered the future park near Mammoth Hot Springs. Over the next 38 days, I will be following the survey team around the park and periodically sharing excerpts from "Burning Ground". Key events will…