Historical State of Ecosystem

Yellowstone has an extremely diverse ecosystem, famous for its flora and fauna as well as its volcanic, hydrothermal, and glacial features. The human history of the park begins 11,000 years ago when aboriginal Americans first began to hunt and fish in the region. During this historical time period Indians used significant amounts of obsidian found in the park to make cutting tools and weapons, specifically arrow heads. By the time Lewis and Clark entered the region in 1805 they encountered the Nez Perce, Crow, and Shoshone tribes. Although the Lewis and Clark expedition overviewed the Yellowstone region, the first detailed expedition of the area was in 1869, known as the Crook--Folsom--Peterson Expedition. This expedition, in which explorers examined the region, collecting specimens and naming sites of interest, lasted about a month. After vast observation and exploration, it was proposed that the region be set aside and protected as a national park. In 1871 a comprehensive report of Yellowstone that included various photographs and paintings convinced the US to withdrawal this region from public auction, and on March 1, 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant signed The Act of Dedication law which created Yellowstone National Park. By 1903, railroads began catering to the tourists, bringing carloads of travelers into the park every day. 1916 brought the beginning of a new era known as The Age of the Automobile. Why was this significant to the development of Yellowstone? Through the mass production of cars, more and more average Americans could visit the park! However, with this increase in attendance, managing the area, in terms of wildlife and geological feature preservation, came under increasing strain. Due to some of the trouble brought about during this time period, by 1970 people began viewing Yellowstone less as a recreational playground and more of an ecological treasure which needed to be preserved and protected for multiple future generations. Furthermore, individuals fought to restore the ecological balance of the park by limiting negative human impacts while simultaneously not discouraging visitors. 

http://www.nps.gov/yell/historyculture/images/bannock_2.jpg

http://www.legendsofamerica.com/photos-wyoming/Yellowstone%20River,%20early%201900s-500.jpg