Twenty years later Jim Bridger brought back a report similar to Colter’s, but he, too, was greeted with winks and smiles. Finally, however, the Washburn-Doane Expedition, headed by H. D. Washburn, Surveyor-General of Montana, was organized in August 1870, and accompanied by an army detail, officially investigated the phenomena in the Park.
They encountered innumerable fascinating wonders that even Colter, Bridger and other explorers had missed. They were determined that Yellowstone should be preserved in all its primeval beauty for the enjoyment of all Americans. Their enthusiasm was boundless. Largely because of their efforts a bill was passed through Congress on March 1, 1872, and the rugged wilderness was set aside as Yellowstone National Park.
Since that time millions of travelers have seen the glory that is Yellowstone’s. Thousands return year after year. Still others come only once, but they consider it the trip of a lifetime.
GRAND TETON
A few miles south of Yellowstone is Grand Teton National Park, set aside by the government in 1929. Grand Teton and the surrounding country have many distinctive features.
Jackson Lake and the Tetons
Grand Teton is noted for its mountain grandeur. Many of its jagged, towering peaks of granite rear their heads upward 10 to 13 thousand or more feet. In many respects they resemble the famed Alps of Europe.
Lying at the base of these towering spires are lakes of sapphire-blue, and round about are forests and verdant meadowlands.