Yellowstone Lake (one of the highest elevation lakes in North America) is centred on the Yellowstone caldera which is the top of the largest super volcano on the continent. This park features more than two million acres of a high mountain-ringed plateau which have been set aside for permanent protection as a natural preserve. Yellowstone Features The Largest Concentration Of Wildlife In The Continental U.S. Yellowstone Is The Site Of Americas Greatest Concentration Of Geysers & Hot Springs, Yellowstone Has Some Very High Elevations, There Are Almost Three Hundred Waterfalls Inside The Park, Yellowstone Is Actually Larger Than Two U.S. StatesCombined, The Park Is The Make Believe Home To Yogi Bear, Yellowstone Features Some Wonderful Trailside Museums. Afterwards, he spent his time in the American West working as a bullwhacker (a driver of an ox wagon or other heavy freight wagon), guide and doing various other jobs. 19. The key to Yellowstones future as a national park, though, was the 1871 exploration under the direction of the government geologist Ferdinand Hayden. The Largest Natural Lake. The office is nicknamed The Pagoda for its unique green triangular roof and was also known as the Temple of Truth since it housed a courthouse. Before it became Americas first national park, people explored this fantastic place. The park forms a rectangle with an irregular eastern side that is 63 miles in length from north to south and 54 miles wide from east to west. 29. Weve done our homework so that youll get more than you bargained for. 38. 50 Interesting Facts About Yellowstone National Park While it is an active volcano, many scientists agree that it wont erupt any time soon. By defending Yellowstone against commercial interests, he established himself as an early voice of Americas growing conservation movement. It was somewhat smaller compared to the first, yet bigger than the second volcanic eruption. For a nation bent on settling and exploiting the West, the creation of Yellowstone was surprising. He was separated from his party and remained lost for the next 37 days. Yellowstone National Park is home to 285 bird species, including raptors, songbirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl. Yet the Yellowstone Act of 1872 set a precedent and popularized the idea of preserving sections of the public domain for use as public parks. Sign up now to learn about This Day in History straight from your inbox. Yellowstone is the only place bison have lived continuously since prehistoric times. After several weeks, Hayden and his team returned from their trek with hundreds of photos and drawings of the region.