Who was appointed the first superintendent of Yellowstone National Park in 1872?

Nathaniel P. Langford was appointed the first superintendent of Yellowstone National Park in 1872.

Langford had taken part in the 1870 Washburn–Langford–Doane Expedition, which explored and publicized the Yellowstone region before the park was created. After the establishment of Yellowstone, he became its first superintendent.

The position initially came with almost no practical support. Langford received no salary, had little funding, and lacked strong legal tools to stop vandalism, poaching, and unauthorized use. He entered the huge park only twice during his five-year tenure.

Political pressure led to his removal in 1877. He was succeeded by Philetus W. Norris, whose administration had more resources. The early difficulties showed why a professional federal park agency was eventually needed, leading to the creation of the National Park Service in 1916.