The primary function of a name is identification; however, names serve another purpose – they provide an historical log.

When I first moved to Wyoming, I became fascinated with the names which complimented this majestic landscape. The names added a new dimension to every mountain and valley, and spurred my interest in man's relatively short, yet romantic, involvement in this rugged region of the Rocky Mountains.

I guess that was the first time I became aware of the significance of names.

Names do tell a story, and it is the story of a truly remarkable area that I relate to you here – the story of our country's first and largest National Park – Yellowstone.