Area Sections
Yellowstone
Getting Around
Getting There
Operating Hours
Accessibility
Other Definitions
yellowstone (dest)
yellowstone (dict)
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Yellowstone By Act of Congress on March 1, 1872, Yellowstone National Park was "dedicated and set apart as a public park or pleasuring ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people" and "for the preservation, from injury or spoilation, of all timber, mineral deposits, natural curiosities, or wonders. . . and their retention in their natural condition." Yellowstone is the first and oldest national park in the world. The commanding features that initially attracted interest, and led to the preservation of Yellowstone as a national park, were geological: the geothermal phenomena (there are more geysers and hot springs here than in the rest of the world combined), the colorful Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, fossil forests, and the size and elevation of Yellowstone Lake. The human history of the park is evidenced by cultural sites dating back 12,000 years. More recent history can be seen in the historic structures and sites that represent the various periods of park administration and visitor facilities development. Yellowstone Park is also home to the largest super volcano in the world. The last eruption occured some 60,000 yrs. ago forming what is now knwon as the great geyser basin area and Yellowstone lake. If it were to erupt again it would have the same effect as if an asteroid hit the planet, massive devistation worldwide. The magma in this volcano is just a few miles below the surface in some areas even closer. With all that aside it is one of the most beautiful spots in the world, living only about 100 miles from the park, my wife and I spend alot of time there.
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