Explore the Fort Yellowstone Historic District

When Yellowstone was established in 1872, the National Park Service did not yet exist (and wouldn't until 1916).The park's first civilian superintendents lacked experience, funds, and a workforce to protect the park from exploitation.Eventually, Company M, First U.S. Cavalry of Ft. Custer, Montana Territory, answered the call to come to Yellowstone in 1886. This started the 30+ years of military protection of Yellowstone National Park.From the beginnings of Yellowstone to modern day, and all the time in between, we thank those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and continue to serve in a different uniform for the NPS. #VeteransDayFor more information visit https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo.

This excerpt comes from the named source. Read the original for the full reporting.