In 1872, Yellowstone National Park opened its gates to what we now consider one of America's most beautiful protected pieces of land. Covering almost 3,500 miles of flawless countryside, Yellowstone National Park is one of the largest parks in the United States. We look at pictures of the park today and it's almost impossible to imagine a place so stunning can exist, until you've seen it in person.

Photo by Emma Dau on Unsplash
Photo by Emma Dau on Unsplash
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It's hard to imagine what Yellowstone National Park would look like in black and white. We are so used to seeing the colors that make it one of America's favorite travel destinations.

So what did Montana and Yellowstone National Park look like in the 1930s and 1940s? Let me show you.

Jezel Doughert's grandmother passed away and like many of us do, she spent hours going through years and years of history, from old yearbooks to news clippings, to pictures. Jezel sent me a piece of history that, if not for her, I wouldn't be able to share with you.

Montana and Yellowstone National Park in the 1930s and 1940s.

Photo Credit: Jezel Doughert
Photo Credit: Jezel Doughert
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Photo Credit: Jezel Dougherty
Photo Credit: Jezel Dougherty
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Now, we all know not to get close to bears—well, at least I hope we do. But, it is a bit relieving knowing that this isn't something new that people are just starting to do.

Photo Credit: Jezel Dougherty
Photo Credit: Jezel Dougherty
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Photo Credit: Jezel Dougherty
Photo Credit: Jezel Dougherty
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Photo Credit: Jezel Dougherty
Photo Credit: Jezel Dougherty
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Yellowstone National Park is known for its wildlife. Whether it be bears, bison, elk, or deer, there is a good chance you will catch a glimpse of at least one animal while visiting the park.

Photo Credit: Jezel Dougherty
Photo Credit: Jezel Dougherty
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Photo Credit: Jezel Dougherty
Photo Credit: Jezel Dougherty
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The difference between now and then is that it seems as though the bears are less aggressive, or at least didn't seem to fear us as they do now.

Photo Credit: Jezel Dougherty
Photo Credit: Jezel Dougherty
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Photo Credit: Jezel Dougherty
Photo Credit: Jezel Dougherty
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I have always wanted to go back in time and see what it was like to live before all the fancy technology, before our faces were buried in our phones and we just took a picture and hoped our eyes were open in it. These are the "good ol' days."

Photo Credit: Jezel Dougherty
Photo Credit: Jezel Dougherty
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Photo Credit: Jezel Doughert
Photo Credit: Jezel Doughert
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Hunting, trapping, and looking for sheds is still something that many Montanans take pride in.

Photo Credit: Jezel Dougherty
Photo Credit: Jezel Dougherty
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Photo Credit: Jezel Dougherty
Photo Credit: Jezel Dougherty
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Photo Credit: Jezel Dougherty
Photo Credit: Jezel Dougherty
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It's incredible taking a look back in time, to see it through the eyes of black and white, and to see the difference between then and now. If you have pictures you would like to share and include in this flashback in time, feel free to contact me through the XL Country app or any of our social media (Facebook and Instagram).

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