Old Faithful geyser named in Wyoming on September 18, 1870

On September 18, 1870, Nathanial Langford, an explorer part of the Washburn-Doane-Langford expedition, documented a geyser in Yellowstone Park that exhibited remarkably regular eruptions. He noted its frequent activity in his journal, leading to the geyser being named 'Old Faithful.' This name reflects the geyser's reliability, as it has been observed to erupt on a semi-regular schedule. The geyser's eruptions can reach heights of up to 180 feet and last between 90 seconds to five minutes. In 1871, the geological survey led by Ferdinand V. Hayden further established Old Faithful's reputation, emphasizing its regularity and the ease of observation it provided. The geyser became known as the 'Guardian of the Valley' due to its consistent eruptions, which allowed for detailed study and understanding of geothermal activity in the area. This reliability has made it a focal point for visitors and researchers alike. Old Faithful has remained a significant attraction in Yellowstone National Park, drawing approximately 4 million visitors annually. The National Park Service has developed facilities around the geyser, including a visitor center that tracks eruption times and provides seating for spectators. The eruptions are predicted with a high degree of accuracy, based on historical data and observational techniques. Despite a decrease in eruption frequency since its discovery, experts assure that this change is not a cause for concern. The geyser, which once erupted 21 times a day before the 1959 earthquake, now erupts every 44 to 125 minutes, with an average interval of 74 minutes, continuing to captivate visitors with its natural spectacle.