On 1 March 1872, Yellowstone National Park was officially established in the United States, making it the first national park in the world. The decision by the US Congress, signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant, set a global precedent for the conservation of natural beauty and wildlife.
Located primarily in Wyoming, with parts extending into Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone spans over 2.2 million acres. The park is renowned for its stunning geothermal features, including the iconic Old Faithful geyser, as well as its diverse ecosystems that support a wide array of wildlife, such as bison, elk, and grizzly bears.
The establishment of Yellowstone National Park marked a pivotal moment in environmental history, as it was the first time land was set aside for preservation and public enjoyment rather than for private exploitation or development. It laid the foundation for the modern conservation movement and inspired the creation of national parks around the globe.