The information and images gathered during the Hayden survey helped convince Congress to establish Yellowstone as a national park. Other interest groups supported their decision. Banking and railroad companies saw the park as a way to increase tourism to the region. Government representatives wanted to preserve the geological wonders. Other individuals and organizations felt the park would help increase the region's economic development, population, and land value.

Illustration: Reproduction of Yellowstone Founding Bill. 4 Dec. 1871. In Ferdinand Vandiveer Hayden and the Founding of the Yellowstone National Park, p. 27