Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A Plant Special to Mammoth
Why are there cultivated green lawns at Mammoth, when this is supposed to be a natural
and wild place? The U.S. Cavalry first created a bare parade ground at the base of the ter-
races but later brought in soil, seeded it with grass and clover, and installed an irrigation
system. Perhaps the officers and other residents also wanted grass to help them feel at
home while stationed here. This is the only place in Yellowstone where you'll see green
lawns.
The resident elk herd at Mammoth helps keep the grass short.
The large, closed store building bordering the open area along the road to Tower-
Roosevelt was built in 1929 as the headquarters for Haynes Picture Shops. All the other build-
ings you see in this part of Mammoth, with one exception, are offices and workshops and
housing for employees, since this is the center of administration and maintenance for the en-
tire park.
The one public building found on the road toward Tower-Roosevelt is the
Yellowstone Na-
tional Park Chapel.
Built in 1913 in the cruciform shape indicative of Episcopalian origin,
the chapel has always been non-denominational and used for weddings as well as services.
Times for Saturday mass and Sunday services are posted in front of the stone building.
The Y.N.P. Chapel was planned by year-round residents of Mammoth, including Judge
John W. Meldrum, the U.S. Commissioner for the park who served from 1894 to 1935. It was
built of native sandstone by a Billings construction company and furnished in oak.
