Hayden Expedition

Ferdinand Hayden; William H Jackson; 1871

Hayden expedition in camp; k# 64,285; William H Jackson; 1872

About

Geologist Ferdinand Hayden directed the first scientific exploration of Yellowstone in 1871, leading directly to the founding of the world’s first national park in the following year. Hayden’s noteworthy achievements in science and conservation, however, are clouded by his views of indigenous people. Hayden enlisted 32 men for the endeavor, including photographer William Henry Jackson and painter Thomas Moran, both of whom would produce artistic works that would encourage Congress to protect the Yellowstone region as a national park in 1872.

Unfortunately, Hayden’s legacy is not solely one of scientific discovery and conservation. Among several shameful statements he made, Hayden advocated that indigenous people be made into farmers, and if they did not comply with federal dictates they should be exterminated. And the creation of Yellowstone National Park itself was an act of exclusion, as indigenous people of the region were relocated from their home areas. While the efforts of Ferdinand Hayden in surveying the West are recognized as being highly influential in the history of the United States and the science of geology, especially in the Yellowstone region, his views of indigenous people must also be acknowledged to respect those who walked this land long before our modern age (USGS).