How did art help establish the world's first national park? Objective Identify Thomas Moran as an artist and William H. Jackson as a photographer who accompanied the Hayden Survey of 1871. Recognize the importance of watercolor sketches and photographs in the creation of Yellowstone as the world’s first national park in 1872. Express student’s Yellowstone experience by creating paintings and/or photographs. Background In 1871 scientists, technical personnel, and artists comprised Dr. Ferdinand Hayden’s Geological Survey of 1871. These men devoted the summer to exploring the Yellowstone region. Duration: 30 Minutes.