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, came from the category “UNESCO World Heritage Sites.” Contestants were asked to identify a location that was part of the original group of 12 sites inscribed on the inaugural UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978. The clue read: “The first 12 sites added to the list in 1978 included Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado & this site 500 miles to the north.”
What is Yellowstone National Park?
Yellowstone National Park, located primarily in the U.S. state of Wyoming, with parts extending into Montana and Idaho, was one of the first natural sites to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978. Its inclusion was based on its exceptional natural value, including geothermal features like geysers and hot springs, as well as diverse ecosystems and wildlife habitats. The park is situated roughly 500 miles north of Mesa Verde, making it a geographically accurate counterpart for this clue.
Yellowstone is widely recognized as the world’s first national park, established by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant in 1872. Its addition to the UNESCO list underscored its global importance as a protected natural area of outstanding universal value. The park continues to be a benchmark for conservation efforts worldwide.
The Original 12 UNESCO Sites of 1978
In 1978, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee created its first list of cultural and natural sites considered to have universal value. The 12 sites included were from seven different countries, highlighting both historic monuments and natural wonders. Alongside Yellowstone and Mesa Verde, other initial entries included the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador and Aachen Cathedral in Germany.
The inclusion of Yellowstone represented UNESCO’s commitment to protecting not only cultural heritage but also unique natural environments. This balanced approach helped set the tone for future designations, combining the preservation of human history with the conservation of Earth’s most extraordinary natural features.
Why Yellowstone Was Chosen
Yellowstone was selected for its exceptional geological and ecological features. It sits atop a supervolcano and hosts more than half of the world’s active geysers, including the famous Old Faithful. The park’s vast wilderness supports species such as bison, elk, wolves, and grizzly bears, all living within relatively undisturbed ecosystems.
These qualities align with UNESCO’s criteria for natural sites, which emphasize outstanding natural beauty, geological processes, and biodiversity. Yellowstone met multiple criteria, making it a model case for natural heritage preservation. Its well-established management and scientific research infrastructure also contributed to its selection.
Broader Impact and Legacy
Yellowstone’s designation helped reinforce the importance of international collaboration in conserving natural heritage. As one of the first World Heritage Sites, it became a symbol of how protected areas could serve both environmental and educational purposes. Its status also helped bring attention to the broader concept of global heritage, influencing conservation strategies around the world.
Over the decades, the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites has grown to over a thousand, but Yellowstone continues to stand out as a pioneering example. Its presence on the original list, alongside Mesa Verde, serves as a reminder of the enduring value of safeguarding places that connect people to nature and history across generations.