Yellowstone National Park

Before its designation as the first national park, Yellowstone’s sole white settlers were homesteaders and itinerant trappers and hunters. Drawn by ample beaver, bison, and other large game, this cadre of sportsmen was the most vocal opposition to conservation measures.

The 1872 national park designation did little to quell discontent from locals. With scarce funding and resources, the newly created park staff could not adequately protect the expanse of Yellowstone from poaching. The first supervisor was not even offered a salary. Congress eventually allocated funding for building roads and creating a visitor infrastructure—and in doing so setting an example for scores of national parks to follow.