Yellowstone National Park, created by an Act of Congress on March 1, 1872, has had three distinct administrations. The first, a civilian superintendency under the Secretary of the Interior, began in 1872 and lasted until 1886. In 1886, the United States Cavalry replaced the first administration. The commanding officer of the troops in Yellowstone also held the title of "Acting Superintendent" of the park. The Acting Superintendent issued the “Yellowstone Park Scout” badge to civilians charged with protecting the park. This badge was in use from circa 1894 to 1905. In 1916, the US Cavalry turned administration of the park over to the National Park Service.