The Mammoth Area

Venture into Mammoth area and you’ll notice red-roofed, many-chimneyed buildings that make up part of historic Fort Yellowstone. Fourteen years of poor management of Yellowstone led officials to turn management of National Park over to United States’ Cavalry in 1886. For first five years, Cavalry, lived in Camp Sheridan but, after five bone chilling winters soldiers built more perminant post known as Fort Yellowstone.

Prior to 1903 visitors to Yellowstone National Park took train to Cinnabar, Montana then climbed into horse-drawn carriages to enter park. Eventually railway extended all way to Gardiner and people then entered park through immense stone gateway, known as Roosevelt Arch. Designed by Robert Reamer, a renowned Yellowstone architect, arch was designed for coaches to travel through as they entered park. During construction, President Theodore Roosevelt was visiting park and took opportunity to lay cornerstone of arch which now bears his name. The top of arch is inscribed with words “For benefit and enjoyment of people” a quote from Organic Act of 1872 which enabled legislation for Yellowstone National Park.

Other Must See Sites in Yellowstone National Park.

As you enjoy your Yellowstone National Park Vacation, you’ll want to be sure to see these other sites including, Engineers Office, built by Corps of Engineers; Scottish Rite Chapel and Capitol Hill, former site of Superintendent Norris’ headquarters. The Kite Hill cemetery is a great place to visit and contains graves of early Yellowstone settlers and employees. Another Yellowstone landmark designed by architect Robert Reamer is Reamer House. Reamer House is a beautiful example of Prairie-style architecture. Finally, check out photographic studio used by Haynes family, old roads, bridges, railroad beds and historic structures in town of Gardiner.