During the decade after Yellowstone's designation as a national park, the Mammoth area was subject to the exploits of poachers, developers and souvenir hunters. Civilian superintendents were hired to protect the park and its visitors, but their lack of experience, funding and staffing made their task insurmountable. In 1886, the U.S. Army came to the rescue, beginning 30 years of military presence in the park. Many of the buildings in Mammoth were part of the original Fort Yellowstone, which was built in the 1890s to house the troops and their families.
Located near the park's North Entrance, Mammoth, short for Mammoth Hot Springs, serves as the park's headquarters and provides housing for year-round staff. It has several restaurants and a hotel and cabins that are open year-round. Evenings at Mammoth bring almost guaranteed elk sightings: Elk like to congregate around the hot springs at night.
