Mammoth in Mammoth Hot Springs in Park County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
From Soldier to Ranger
Photographed By Rich Pfingsten, March 23, 2009
1. From Soldier to Ranger Marker
In 1912, President Taft in a special message to Congress said:
"I earnestly recommend the establishment of a bureau of National Parks. Such legislation is essential to the proper management of those wonderful manifestations of nature, so startling and so beautiful that everyone recognizes the obligations of the government to preserve them for the edification and recreation of the people."
The National Park Service Act was signed on August 25, 1916. Soon after, soldiers were discharged from the Army to form the first ranks of park rangers and a maintenance force. The National Park Service took over protection of Yellowstone National Park, "by arrangement with the War Department, and with its hearty cooperation," on October 1, 1916. Though local opposition resulted in one last episode of Army residency, the National Park Service assumed full administrative responsibilities in 1918.
. Fort Yellowstone was officially transferred to the new civilian agency. However, the Army's legacy is visible in wood and stone, and in the very survival of Yellowstone as one of the world's great symbols of the National Park idea.
Inset captions: 1) Seventh Cavalry, Troop G collar insignia, 2) National Park Service Badge, 3) Troop F, First U.S. Cavalry in front of enlisted men's barracks, 1913.
Erected by
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Military. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #27 William Howard Taft series list. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1962.
Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 44° 58.592′ N, 110° 41.941′ W. Marker was in Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming, in Park County. It was in Mammoth. Marker was on Officer's Row, 0 miles south of Mammoth Street, on the left when traveling south. Marker is along the south side of a sidewalk leading to the Enlisted Men's Barracks building. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Yellowstone National Park WY 82190, United States of America.
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named From Soldier to Ranger (a few steps from this marker); Fort Yellowstone (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Yellowstone National Historic Landmark (within shouting distance of this
Photographed By Rich Pfingsten, March 23, 2009
2. From Soldier to Ranger Marker with Enlisted Men's Barracks in the background
More about this marker. This marker was removed and replaced with a new marker nearby, also called From Soldier to Ranger.
Photographed By Rich Pfingsten, March 23, 2009
3. Enlisted Men's Barracks
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 28, 2011, by Rich Pfingsten of Forest Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 575 times since then and 9 times this year. Last updated on September 11, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 28, 2011, by Rich Pfingsten of Forest Hill, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
