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150th Anniversary of Yellowstone Symposium

Introduction: Yellowstone National Park's 150th Anniversary

March 1, 2022, marked the 150th anniversary of the establishment of Yellowstone National Park. Signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant, the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act created the world’s first national park:

‘‘The tract of land . . . lying near the headwaters of the Yellowstone River . . . is reserved and withdrawn from settlement, occupancy, or sale under the laws of the United States, and dedicated and set apart as a public park or pleasuring ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.’’

America’s first national park was thereby set aside to preserve and protect the scenery, cultural heritage, wildlife, and geologic and ecological systems and processes in their natural condition for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.