The first 12 sites added to the list in 1978 included Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado & this site 500 miles to the north

The Final Jeopardy clue for Monday, May 26, 2025, was presented under the category UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Contestants were asked to identify the site that was among the first twelve UNESCO World Heritage Sites inscribed in 1978, alongside Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado. The clue specified that the site is located approximately 500 miles to the north of Mesa Verde.

What is Yellowstone National Park?

The correct response was Yellowstone National Park. Situated primarily in the U.S. state of Wyoming, with parts extending into Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone became one of the first designated World Heritage Sites in recognition of its geological wonders and biodiversity. Its inclusion on the inaugural UNESCO list highlights both its environmental significance and its pioneering role as the world’s first national park.

Yellowstone’s Significance in Global Heritage

Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872 and is widely regarded as the world’s first national park. Its preservation set a precedent for conservation efforts across the globe. When UNESCO launched its World Heritage Site program in the late 1970s, Yellowstone was a natural fit due to its extraordinary geothermal features, diverse ecosystems, and untouched landscapes.

The park is home to over half of the world’s active geysers, including the iconic Old Faithful, and features an expansive system of hot springs, mud pots, fumaroles, and rivers. The area also supports a wide range of wildlife such as grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk, which roam freely across its more than two million acres. Yellowstone’s designation as a UNESCO site was not only a nod to its natural beauty but also to its scientific value.

The 1978 Inaugural UNESCO World Heritage Sites

In 1978, UNESCO inscribed its first 12 World Heritage Sites, creating a benchmark for global cultural and natural preservation. These original sites were chosen for their outstanding universal value and their ability to meet at least one of the organization’s selection criteria. Among them were the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador, Aachen Cathedral in Germany, L’Anse aux Meadows in Canada, and the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia.

The United States contributed two sites to this inaugural list: Mesa Verde National Park and Yellowstone National Park. While Mesa Verde was recognized for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and cultural significance, Yellowstone earned its place due to its unique geological features and status as a pioneering model for natural conservation worldwide.

Yellowstone’s Location Relative to Mesa Verde

The clue noted that the mystery site was located about 500 miles north of Mesa Verde National Park. Mesa Verde, found in the southwestern corner of Colorado, sits relatively close to the Four Corners region. Yellowstone, by contrast, is situated to the north in the Rocky Mountains, primarily in northwestern Wyoming. The approximate 500-mile distance between the two parks aligns well with this geographic relationship, supporting the clue’s accuracy.

This distance serves as a helpful reference point for those familiar with U.S. geography and national park locations. It was a subtle hint for contestants who could associate the direction and distance with prominent parks known for their ecological importance and early conservation history.

Cultural and Conservation Legacy

Both Yellowstone and Mesa Verde reflect different but equally important aspects of world heritage. While Mesa Verde focuses on cultural preservation and archaeological insight into ancient civilizations, Yellowstone emphasizes natural wonders and ecological protection. Their joint inclusion in the 1978 list helped set the tone for a balanced global approach to heritage recognition.

Yellowstone’s legacy continues to influence conservation policy and inspire environmental stewardship around the world. Its geothermal activity, scenic beauty, and wildlife habitats make it not only a national treasure but also a site of global importance. Its place on the UNESCO list ensures continued protection and international awareness of its value for generations to come.