Saving Yellowstone

"Saving Yellowstone" explores the historical origins of the world’s first national park, focusing on the pivotal survey led by Ferdinand Hayden in 1871, which helped inspire the Yellowstone Act of 1872. Set against the backdrop of Reconstruction-era America, the book examines the complex motivations of key figures like Hayden, Sitting Bull, and Jay Cooke, revealing how Yellowstone became a symbol of national achievement, unity, and ongoing conflict. Through a fresh perspective, author Megan Kate Nelson sheds light on the park's significance during a transformative period in American history.