Hayden Geological Survey photographs and boating of Yellowstone, 1871 (1871)

The 1871 Hayden Geological Survey explored northwestern Wyoming, marking the first federally funded survey of the region. Photographer William Henry Jackson documented the area, while survey members assembled the boat Annie from components packed from Fort Ellis on July 28, 1871, later launching it on Yellowstone Lake. These activities preceded the 1872 establishment of Yellowstone National Park.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. The survey originated from the Pacific Railroad Survey bill of 1853 and received $40,000 in March 1871. It was the first federally funded geological survey to explore the region that would become Yellowstone National Park. The team, selected in spring 1871, included photographer William Henry Jackson and artist Thomas Moran, building on earlier private expeditions from 1869 and 1870.

Survey Progress. The survey officially began on June 8, 1871, departing Ogden, Utah. The party reached Montana by June 30 and Virginia City on July 4. After departing Fort Ellis on July 15, the team traveled south along the Yellowstone River, entering the park region via the Gardner River on July 21. They explored Mammoth Hot Springs before moving toward Tower Fall and Yellowstone Lake.

Documentation. William Henry Jackson, a member of the survey team, produced large-format photographs of the Yellowstone region. These images, along with paintings by Thomas Moran, were included in the comprehensive report. Jackson's photographs played an important role in convincing Congress to establish Yellowstone National Park in 1872, though the survey itself occurred in 1871.

People involved

Sources

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