1891day.year
Shoshone National Forest is established as the first national forest in the US and world.
On March 3, 1891, Shoshone National Forest was established as the first national forest in the U.S. and the world.
On March 3, 1891, President Benjamin Harrison signed the Forest Reserve Act, establishing Shoshone National Forest in Wyoming as the first national forest in the United States and the world. Covering over 800,000 acres, the forest was created to protect timber resources and watersheds from overexploitation. Shoshone set a conservation model that inspired the creation of hundreds of national forests across North America. Its diverse ecosystems host wildlife such as grizzly bears, elk, and bald eagles, and it features iconic landscapes like the Absaroka Range. The reserve act represented an early federal commitment to sustainable land management and environmental stewardship. Over the decades, Shoshone has become a haven for outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and camping. Today, it stands as a testament to the origins of America's national forest system and ongoing conservation efforts.
1891
Shoshone National Forest