, Wyoming, USA
1870 - September 18 – Old Faithful Geyser is observed and named by Henry D. Washburn during the Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition to Yellowstone.

In September 1870, during the Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition to Yellowstone National Park, one of the most iconic natural wonders of the park was officially discovered and named. Henry D. Washburn, leading the expedition, along with Nathaniel P. Langford and Truman C. Everts, came upon a remarkable geothermal feature that would later become world-renowned: Old Faithful Geyser. Located in what is now known as the Upper Geyser Basin, Old Faithful earned its name due to its incredibly regular eruptions, which occur roughly every 90 minutes. Washburn and his party were struck not only by the geyser's impressive height and power but also by its reliability in erupting at predictable intervals, making it a centerpiece of Yellowstone's geothermal wonders.

The naming of Old Faithful marked a significant moment not just in the exploration of Yellowstone but also in the understanding and appreciation of geothermal activity. Its discovery drew attention to the unique geological features of the park and contributed to the growing interest in preserving Yellowstone as a national treasure.

September 18, 1870

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