2008 Q & A
June 12, 2008
Why is it called “Yellowstone” National Park? Are the stones really yellow? Bob, 8th grade, East Burke Middle School, Burke County and Emily, 5th grade, Grady Brown Elementary, Orange County
Yellowstone National Park is named after the Yellowstone River, not the “yellow stones” in the Park. The river’s name came from the Minnetaree tribe word “Mi tse-a-da-zi” which literally translates as “Rock Yellow River.” This was first translated by French trappers and later by explorer-geographer David Thomson as “Yellow Stone.”
What kind of impact does Yellowstone park seem to have on the people that visit there? Claire, 10th grade, Southeast Raleigh Magnet High, Wake County
We are already awed and inspired by what we’ve seen after only a half-day in the Park. It inspires us to want to tell other people how important it is to conserve our remaining natural areas and travel and see the world!
How many acres is Yellowstone? Joshua, 3rd grade, Holly Ridge Elementary, Wake County
2,221,766 acres, larger than the states of Rhode Island and Delaware combined! There are 466 miles of road and more than 15 miles of boardwalk.
Does the park still look old-fashioned? Brianna, 10th grade, Southeast Raleigh Magnet High, Wake County
Our first impression is that much of the old architecture is still here. Many of the buildings have been painted and have new roofs, but many of the old buildings are still utilized. It seems the Park Service is trying to keep some of the original flavor. This means no TVs, no internet, not much cell phone service and the restrooms/showers are across the road from our cabins (a difficultly on a night that may drop below freezing!!).
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