Jackson Hole: From the Trappers to the Ranchers and Everything Inbetween!

Named after David E. Jackson, one of the founding partners of the Rocky Mountain Fur Company, this valley settlement can be traced back the Native Americans. There are no public records to prove it’s exact time of birth, but it is thought to have developed sometime before the 1800’s. After the Lewis and Clark Expeditions, Americans began to move into the valley.

A stop along the road to the Oregon Territory, Jackson Hole was revered by fur traders, trappers and hunters. This was a center for the trades of goods and services and a place to catch up on all the latest news. At Jackson Hole, many were able to trade for the goods necessary to sustain them for the following year. They were also able to sign up for any future expeditions while passing through the valley.

There was, however, a decline in the fur trades and from the years 1840 to 1860. During this time, there wasn’t much going on in Jackson Hole. It was mostly a time for new settlement. The first known settlers to the town of Jackson Hole were John and Millie Carnes and John Holland. It later became home to many families and bachelors wanting to try their hand in local trapping. In the later part of the 19th century, the valley became host to many Mormon settlers as well.

Jackson Hole has never really had a farming-conducive climate, so it’s settlers were forced to find other means to make money. The most profitable venture was in the development of the Dude Ranch. Some families also opted to guide and outfit others on expeditions through the valley. Many would come from miles around just to go fishing, horseback riding and hiking along the majestic trails of the Jackson Hole valley; thus the beginning of the tourism that carries on even today.

Jackson Hole was like many other settled towns in that there were stores and hotels. One could walk down the dirt paved road and spot a saloon or two and a jail to house those that got out of hand. There was a school-house for the children and a church for all. A local post office and bank were also part of the landscape in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

The birthplace of the “petticoat government”, Jackson Hole was the first town to elect an all women council. This council worked hard to make progress and didn’t mind ruffling a few feathers to do so! Many were upset over the proposition of a land preserve, but with persistence and determination, the Grand Trenton and Yellowstone National Parks were developed.

Because of the hard work and evolution of the town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, many are still able to enjoy the same simple pleasures that were in abundance many, many years ago.