Legacy Fort Yellowstone

guard duty 1903

john muir foremost american naturalist , called father of national parks once wrote: blessings on uncle sam s soldiers. have done job well, , every pine tree waving arms joy.

while yellowstone under army management, activities, policies , procedures developed served precedents other national parks , subsequent actions national park service after formation in 1916. army solved wide variety of problems , developed procedures covering multitude of administrative issues. military superintendents continued evolution of park policies , conservation measures initiated first civilian administrators. implemented backcountry patrols, access improvement, wildlife protection , management, protection of natural features, law enforcement , development of ranger force. army set precedents future headquarters area development designs, visitor services such educational outreach , interpretive tours. diligence in dealing poachers led legislation provided prosecution , punishment of illegal activity. of precedents army established incorporated later national park service lasting legacy of important role army played in u.s. national park history. modern park ranger uniforms legacies of army management of park. iconically, campaign hat, flat-brow peaked hat worn cavalry in last years of army management identical modern hats worn 21st century.