In the U.S. there are over 1,000 sites that are protected under U.S. law. Whether they are historical, archeological, or a park, U.S. citizens pride themselves on the preservation of history and beauty. One of America’s many national beauties is Yellowstone National Park, which stretches over multiple states and is 3,468 square miles. That’s about the combined size of Rhode Island and Maryland.

On this day, March 1st, in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is incorporated. Yellowstone became the first national park in the U.S. and the act which incorporated it was signed by non-other than famous general Ulysses S. Grant.

Yellowstone has lakes, rivers, canyons and geysers. The most famous geyser is Old Faithful, which rockets out hot boiling water over 100 feet with thousands of gallons; it has become a major tourist attraction. Yellowstone is home to thousands of species of animals – birds, mammals, fish, and reptiles. Watch out though because one of these days the Caldera, the largest super volcano on North America, could erupt at any point.