Page 9 - MFM Aug Sept 2019

In recent years historical revisionism and applying Remarks by Vice President Albert Gore, Jr.
techniques illegitimate to historical discourse have been Yellowstone National Park 125th Anniversary
conducted by a few authors writing about Yellowstone to Albright Visitors Center
advance a given interpretive historical view with respect to Sunday, August 17, 1997
who did what to promote Yellowstone for the public use and “…Every so often, a group of explorers would come back
the development of our National Park system. In retrospect, it to see for themselves. The most important of these was the
matters little that perhaps Hedges was not the sole originator Washburn-Doane expedition. All through the summer of
of the National Park idea, and that David E. Folsom (Cook– 1870, they traveled this region. On their last night at Madison
Folsom–Peterson Expedition) undoubtedly deserve part of the Junction, as the campfi re crackled before them and a sea of
stars washed over them, they talked about their plans for the
credit; nonetheless, their lasting achievement was helping to future. To a man, each hoped to exploit the land for personal
save Yellowstone from private development. There were many profi t.
men who deserve and are entitled to credit for having the vision
an concern for the public interest in seeing the development But then a young man by the name of Cornelius Hedges spoke
of our National Parks. What matters most is that, in his own up. As the story goes -- and there is some debate about this --
benevolent way, Cornelius Hedges was the right person at the he said this land was put here for the use of all, and should be
set aside so that it cannot be damaged by man’s heavy hand.
right time to present such a potent idea, and that such an idea
was so completely in harmony with all the guiding principles Most importantly, he said that everyone who had the chance to
of his life. Hedges defi nitely profi ted by having such a receptive experience the wonders of Yellowstone had the responsibility
audience, but it was he, on that September evening of 1870, to safeguard for others that same fortune. Yellowstone had
found its fi rst protector….”
in an almost common manner, who planted a seed, called the
National Park idea that germinated, and today has grown to Suggest books on the history of Yellowstone National Park:
a National Park system, preserving the scenic and historical
heritage of our nation. Chittenden, H. M. (1895). The Yellowstone Park. Cincinnati. The
Robert Clark Company.
On your next visit to one of our National Parks or Memorials Crampton, L.C. (1932), Early History of Yellowstone National Park
be sure to thank Rangers and Park staff for the work they do in and its Relation to National Park Policies, Washington D.C., US Govt
Printing Offi ce.
protecting and maintaining our National Parks.
Gardiner, R. L. (2011). For This and Succeeding Generations, The
Cornelius Hedges Story. Helena.
Montana Freemason Page 9 Aug/Sept 2019 Volume 95 No .6