David Folsom, Charles Cook and William Peterson explored the Yellowstone area in 1869. On September twenty-sixth, they came upon an area we now call West Thumb. As he was leaving the area, Folsom took a final look at Yellowstone Lake and stated, "It is a scene of transcendent beauty which has been viewed by few white men." Later, the Folsom party contributed to the interest of Yellowstone through publication of a magazine article describing its serene beauty. The Washburn party followed the Folsom party and explored Yellowstone in 1870.
Castle Geyser
Castle Geyser is located in the Upper Geyser Basin on the west bank of the Firehole River. Castle Geyser was named by Lieutenant G. C. Doane in 1870 while providing escort duty to the Washburn party. In 1877 Lieutenant Doane, while under the command of Colonel Sturgis of the Seventh Cavalry, blocked the Nez Perce exit from Yellowstone down the Yellowstone River. Chief Joseph would later claim that his scouts had seen Doane and his men coming up the river. The Nez Perce were anxious to avoid another battle so they continued their flight east, hoping to join forces with the Crows.
