Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1942
Number of park visitors drops to be-
low 200,000 from 582,000 in 1941.
Many facilities are closed.
U.S. begins gas rationing and a 35 mph
speed limit.
1945
World War II ends.
1948
Annual Yellowstone Park visitation
tops 1 million for the first time.
1956
National Park Service initiates Mission
'66 to improve facilities in Yellowstone
and other parks.
Congress authorizes construction of
the Interstate Highway system, indir-
ectly subsidizing road users and penal-
izing passenger rail service.
1957
A new Canyon Lodge and some cot-
tages in Canyon Village are opened.
Hatcheries close; fish stocking in park
lakes and streams ceases.
1959-70
Frank and John Craighead conduct
first intensive research on grizzly bears
in and around the park.
1959
Earthquake on August 17th near Heb-
gen Lake (outside West Entrance)
causes 28 deaths and great damage to
property. Many Yellowstone hydro-
thermal features register changes as a
result.
1961
End of all rail service to park.
1963
Snowmobiles travel to Old Faithful,
beginning winter use of the park.
Leopold Report on wildlife manage-
ment begins debate leading to major
policy changes in all national parks.
1964
Congress passes Wilderness Act.
1965
Annual park visitation tops 2 million.
1966
Goldfield Corporation purchases the
Yellowstone Park Co.—soon pur-
chased by General Host (1967).
Endangered Species Preservation Act
results in listing of 78 rare and en-
dangered species.
1970
New bear management policy put in
place in the park.
1972
Yellowstone celebrates 100 years.
