Washburn–Langford–Doane Expedition names Old Faithful in Yellowstone

Expedition Context. The Washburn–Langford–Doane Expedition was organized by Montana residents based on reports from the 1869 Cook–Folsom–Peterson Expedition. Headed by Henry D. Washburn, the party explored northwestern Wyoming, following the general course of previous explorers. They made detailed maps and observations, visiting both the Upper and Lower Geyser Basins, which provided the context for naming specific geothermal features.

Naming of Old Faithful. During their exploration of the Upper Geyser Basin, the expedition members observed a geyser erupting regularly. The regularity of these eruptions prompted the party to name it Old Faithful. This geyser became the first in the park to be named, recognized for its predictable behavior, which was noted as erupting approximately every 74 minutes during the expedition.

September 1870 Events. On September 18, 1870, the expedition traveled down the Firehole River from the Kepler Cascades and entered the Upper Geyser Basin. This specific movement led to the observation and naming of Old Faithful. The party had previously traveled west over Craig Pass into the Firehole basin, setting the stage for their arrival at the geyser basin.