Hayden Expedition – West Thumb
August 7, 2021
On this day 150 Years ago! (August 7, 1871) The geyser basin excursion group rejoins the rest of Hayden’s team at West Thumb. The Annie is prepped for exploring the southern half of Yellowstone Lake. Makawee entices Graham to bathe in a warm spring at night.
Read MoreHayden Expedition – Shoshone Lake
August 6, 2021
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 Makawee share a tender moment.
Read MoreHayden Expedition – Castle Geyser
August 5, 2021
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 the crater of Castle Geyser using wet plate photography. Graham observed the skill of the […]
Read MoreHayden Expedition – Grand Prismatic Spring
August 4, 2021
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 and creativity in painting this iconic scene.
Read MoreHayden Expedition – Tragedy at Firehole Spring
August 2, 2021
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 Albert Peale could collect water samples. Tragedy ensued at Firehole Spring…
Read MoreHayden Expedition – Porcupine Hills
August 1, 2021
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 made preliminary assessments via tasting the water.
Read MoreHayden Expedition – Enroute to Lower Geyser Basin
July 31, 2021
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 measure distances. It was tough going in areas where dense lodgepole pines and many accumulated […]
Read MoreHayden Expedition – Visit to Stevenson Island
July 29, 2021
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 Manager. Graham learns how to fire a Spencer carbine.
Read MoreHayden Expedition – Annie Launched
July 28, 2021
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 James Stevenson (Survey Manager for Ferdinand Hayden) and Chester Dawes (son of Representative Henry Dawes) […]
Read MoreHayden Expedition – Mud Volcano & Dragon’s Mouth
July 27, 2021
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 find he has been transported back in time from 1971 to 1871.
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