August 19

1871 In 1870, Congress voted to fund the first scientific exploration of the Yellowstone region. In 1871, Ferdinand V. Hayden assembled a team for the expedition including scientists, photographer William Henry Jackson, and artist Thomas Moran. After obtaining most of their "outfit" from Fort D.A. Russell, they traveled by rail to Ogden, Utah. From Ogden, they traveled to Idaho and Montana. During July and August, they explored the Yellowstone region. On August 19 and 20, they camped at Steamy Point (also known as Steamboat Point). While camped here, the party experienced earthquake shocks and named the camp "Earthquake Camp."