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Jackson Hole, Wyoming is a special place recognized for a rich history of Western development, National Parks, pop-culture, and without a doubt, some of the finest ski terrain from around the globe.

More than that, Jackson is a town that commemorates its heritage and celebrates its rich history and optimistic future with community involved activities year-round.

Brief History

In 1807 John Colter, a member of the Lewis and Clark expedition wandered alone into the Yellowstone and Jackson Hole area, and returned home with amazing tales of extraordinary mountains and exploding geysers. The area was first named ‘Colters Hell’ in his honor.

Before the days of the homesteaders and ranchers who eventually helped in the development of Jackson Valley, fur trappers frequented Jackson Hole as well as the neighboring Salt River Valley (later named Star Valley) and Pierre’s Valley (later named Teton Valley).

Davey Jackson was one of those men. A trapper, hunter, and a mountain man of all sorts, Jackson came to the area and made a substantial living with two other fur trappers; Jedediah Smith and William Sublette.

As the valley was commonly referred to as a ‘hole’ and with Jackson’s continued visits and business dealings, Sublette renamed the valley, ‘Jackson’s Hole’ which was later shortened to Jackson Hole.
1837 was the first year the name ‘Jackson Hole’ was published in a book.

Demand for beaver pelts from big name fur trading companies was on the
decline, so was the need for most
trappers to stick around the area.

Jackson Hole and the adjacent valleys were left by all but a few trappers that remained in the area and gave way to new horizons sought out by those that were affected by the fur trade decline.
Although scarcely populated after the trappers period, legend of Jackson Hole’s beauty and intrigue spread. The passes leading into and out of Jackson, were now used to transport groups of settlers looking for new land.

The first group of settlers landed in Jackson Hole, by way of Teton Pass and created small settlements throughout the
Wilson and South Park area.

National Parks

Spanning an area of 3,472 square miles, Yellowstone was recognized by the National Government via photographs taken by William Henry Jackson in 1871.

Yellowstone National Park became the world’s first national park on March 1, 1872 and is home to Old Faithful geyser, Yellowstone Lake, Lower Falls and wildlife including; bear, elk, deer, bald eagle, moose and wolf.

In 1926, John D. Rockefeller, Jr, decided to buy private lands in Jackson Hole for Park use. Rockefeller’s agents formed the Snake River Land Company that purchased over 35,000 acres during the next 20 years. Political controversy defeated attempts to add the surrounding valley to the Park in the 1920s and 1930s.

In 1943 President Roosevelt issued a proclamation establishing Jackson Hole National Monument by authority of the Antiquities Act of 1906. The 210,000 acre monument included most federal land in Jackson Hole. In 1949 the Rockefellers donated nearly 33,000 acres to the federal government and in 1950, Congress passed legislation merging the Park and National Monument.

Geology

Sure to be recognized as one of the worlds Natural wonders, the Grand Teton Mountain Range was formed more than 12 million years ago and is considered to be a fault-block mountain, meaning that as the earth split along a north-south fault line, the pressures forced the blocks on each side of the crack together. The western block rose to form the mountains and the eastern block sank to form the valley.
Today, Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park are amongst the most popular National Parks to visit each year and collectively attract millions of tourists each year.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment

Jackson Hole and the entire valley that encompasses it, has transformed from a one time, Western ski-town with remote outlying communities, to a booming plethora of culture, art, recreation and infulence from across the globe.

Probably most well known for the recreational activities, Jackson’s population increases dramatically in the Summer and Winter months, making room for seasonal thrill seekers looking to experience a piece of Jackson’s legendary terrain.

In the Winter; skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and dog sledding are a few of the winter activities that are available to visitors as well as locals. Fly fishing, golf, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, kayaking and paragliding are among the pasttimes enjoyed in the Summer and Fall.

For those less inclined to engage in high intensity activities, Jackson has a cultural community brimming with world art, dance, theater, food, history and music.

The Center for the Arts recently opened the doors to it’s new theater and hosts local theater productions as well as big name acts from around the globe.

For a piece of Jackson Hole’s ‘old west’ the Jackson Hole Shootout takes place on the Town Square, Monday through Saturday at 6pm during the summer.

The Jackson Hole Playhouse offers Summer and Winter productions of classic musicals inside one of Jackson Hole’s oldest remaining buildings.

Restaurants in Jackson are also in abundance and cater to diners of all styles. Continued additions to an already remarkable selection make Jackson a great place to sample International Cuisine.

After a hard day of skiing or utilizing one of the many other popular activities, day turns into night and the energy rises for nightly entertainment and local taverns.

In recent years, with Jackson’s attention in the media, large named musical acts such as; Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Blues Traveler, Willie Nelson and Lynyrd Skynyrd are a few bands that have graced the stages at Snow King’s summer concert series.

The Mangy Moose in Teton Village also brings in popular acts during the ski season and offers another piece of nostalgic Jackson Hole history.

Cinematic history has also made its way into Jackson Hole and provided a picturesque backdrop for Hollywood movies. Dating back to the late 1920’s such films include; John Wayne in the Big Trail in 1929, Shane, in 1953, Clint Eastwood in Any Which Way You Can, 1980 and the famous Russian winter scene in Rocky IV, 1985.

Lifestyle and day-to-day

During the Winter months, the weather gets very cold at times and it is key to take necessary preparations to be comfortable in these blustery times.

The Jackson Hole community is very supportive and can offer valuable suggestions as you ajust to living in this part of the country.

The population increases immensely in the Summer and Winter months for two reasons, vacationers and extended visitors. Many people that come to Jackson for the first time become attached very quickly and return to reside for a yet-to-be determined amount of time. Not uncommonly, ‘1-year’ traveler becomes a permanent fixture in the community.

The hustle and bustle of the peak season months, lead to a slower and less active town in the off-season months. Some restaurants and other local tourist based operations close for a month or so in off-season and re-open when tourism season starts back up. However, in recent years, the gap between seasons has narrowed considerably, making off-season almost a thing of the past.

When you arrive

Here are a couple of things to be aware of as you adjust to your new surroundings, climate and residents:

• Do not be alarmed if you are greeted without knowing the person who greets you, eventually you too will up the habit.

• If someone mentions a ‘crick’ to you, they are simply referring to a ‘creek’ or a ‘stream’.

• If you see a wild animal either in the road, in your yard or in nature, do not try to touch it, ride it, pet it, chase it...
wildlife is very dangerous and WILL touch you back.

• When hiking, biking or partaking in outdoor activities, please pack out what you packed in. Always keep this precious area clean...visitor or not.

• It is important to keep a storage container in your car and/or garage with proper emergency equipment. These items should include; water, blankets, waterproof matches, tarp, flashlight & candles, batteries, food, warm clothes and first aid kit.

Specific questions about relocating to the Jackson Hole area should be directed to the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce at 307-733-3316 or visit them on the web at www.jhchamber.com.

For vacation planning and area attractions and activities, visit www.ejacksonhole.com or www.verticalmedia.com

For building/zoning and development questions, please see the next two pages for office contact information as well as a description of the department and the services that they provide.

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A Brief History

Star Valley has a history very similar to those of Teton Valley and Jackson Hole in that various Native American tribes were the first official inhabitants of the region.

Discovery from nearby expeditions brought fur trappers to Star Valley with its proximity to the Salt River and the continued exploration of the outlying land.

However, much in the same way that trappers moved onward with a decrease in demand for beaver pelts, Star Valley became a stop for Mormon Settlers and ranchers seeking new opportunities.

From 1885 to the turn of the century, a land boom took place in Star Valley by settlers looking to create a new life.

The population went from 45 in 1880 to 2,219 in 1900. Businesses in Afton were popping up as the entrance on the South from Cokeville was creating more traffic and proving opportunity for merchants to capitalize from the growing interest.

Agriculture was on the rise and led to increased crop production, bigger machines and taller orders. With such cold winters, production times for harvest needed to be expedited quickly. This gave rise to a stronger focus on livestock and paved the way to Star Valley’s highly regarded dairy industry.
Historically, Star Valley, Wyoming is noted for the Lander Cutoff of the Emigrant Trail that passed through the upper valley and for being home to the largest Intermittent Spring in the US, one of only 3 cold water geysers in the world.

Afton is also home to the world’s largest Elk Antler Arch built in 1958 with over 3,000 elk antlers.

Also notable was the apprehention of horse thief, Robert Leroy Parker, alias, Butch Cassidy in Auburn, WY in 1892.

When confronted by the Deputy Sherriff on Uinta County, a scuffle of guns and muscle were exchanged and Cassidy was made prisoner and taken into custody.

A mug shot of Cassidy shows an awkward part in his hair, where he covers the injury sustained in the scuffle.
THe NaME

Originally called the Salt River Valley, there are two existing
interpretations behind the
renaming to Star Valley.

One story recalls ‘Starvation
Valley’, later shortened to Star Valley after a long and exceptionally cold winter in 1889 when many cattle were lost to an
extreme winter and ranchers and families went hungry. The other interpretation simply mentions ‘the Valley of Stars’ for the
unbelievable sea of stars visible on clear nights.

Geography

Star Valley, Wyoming is 400 sq miles and is located 36 miles South of Jackson and 60 miles West of Teton Valley.

Star Valley is surrounded by three National Forests, the Bridger-Teton National Forest, the Targhee National Forest and the Caribou National Forest. The Snake River, Salt River and the Greys River meet at the Palisades Reservoir in Alpine, WY.

45 miles long and 10 miles wide, Star Valley is guarded on the East by the Caribou Mountain Range and runs South from Alpine to Kemmerer. The Salt River runs from Palisades Resevoir in Alpine through a narrow stretch between Thayne and Afton called ‘The Narrows’ and turns up towards Auburn and Fairview.

14 miles past Thayne and six miles from the southern exit of the Narrows, is the Town of Afton. With a larger demographic and community presence, Afton is home to Star Valley High School, Star Valley Medical Center and the Star Valley Independent Newspaper.

CLIMATE

When looking into buying or building homes in the Star Valley region, be sure to consider the geological aspects and temperature variances of specific Star Valley locations.

Climates vary between towns in Star Valley and are often colder in the towns on the Western side of the valley in the Winter.

RECREATION

The dramatic climate changes not only provide season changing beauty, but spectacular recreational outlets. Fly and troll fishing, boating, water skiing, hunting, horseback riding and golfing some of the many summertime activities enjoyed in the Star Valley area.

In the Winter, as the weather gets cold and the snow flies, recreational access is available to snowmobile enthusiasts, as well as hunters and nature lovers.

ENTERTAINMENT

Afton and Alpine have more to offer in the way of nightly entertainment due to their larger populations. However, Thayne is home to Dad’s Bar, where a steak dinner is still a feast fit for grizzly bear.

A few restaurants, bars and small music venues provide entertainment in the peak months as do various community activities each week throughout the year.
The Afton Snowmobile
Hillclimb, the Annual Cutter Races in Thayne and The Mountain Man Days in Alpine are a few of the winter events that bring the community as well as out-of-towners together each year. Visit www.starvalley.com for specific dates and locations.

FUTURE OUTLOOK

As land in Jackson Valley gets more expensive and less available, Star Valley and Teton Valley are growing at record rates, creating new housing developments, commercial outlets, subdivisions, golf courses and overall expansions.

With two new schools currently being constructed in Etna and Thayne, it is obvious that Star Valley’s growth is maintaining and will continue to attractnew residents.

The aspen trees that paint the hillsides in Fall, the rush of spring runoff through the rivers in Spring, and the pristine sparkle of fresh snow in Winter, make Star Valley a great place to call home.

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Teton Valley, Idaho is located on the border of Western Wyoming and Eastern Idaho and is accessible from three different locations. From Rexburg, Idaho on the North, Alpine, Wyoming along the Palisades Reservoir from the South and over Teton Pass from Jackson Hole, Wyoming from the East.

Teton Valley, Idaho is made up of three small towns; Tetonia, Driggs and Victor. Although, just to the East of Driggs, borders Alta, Wyoming, the 4th town in Teton Valley, although actually part of Teton County, WY. Alta is the location of Grand Targhee Mountain Resort
Brief History

The original inhabitants of this area were the Shoshone, Bannock, and Blackfoot tribes. The Grand Tetonmountains were called the Tee-Win-At by the Shoshone Indians, meaning “high pinnacles”.

Established January 26, 1915, with its county seat at Driggs, Teton Valley was named for the adjacent Teton mountains and valley. The valley was formerly known as Pierre’s ‘Hole’, named after trapper Pierre Tevanitagon, who made lasting contributions to Teton Valley and the fur trade. Teton Valley was used by local tribes for their Indian councils and by fur trappers and traders as an ideal rendezvous spot.

However, much like the neighboring valley’s, Teton Valley started to change as the fur trade died away and demand for fur from large fur companies also vanished.

Agriculture and farming became the new source of income in the slowly evolving valley. As the ranching and homesteading continued, Teton Valley maintained a fairly steady population until 2000 when it doubled in size.

Population

According to US Census data, Teton County, Idaho grew from a population of 2,629 in 1960 to 3,439 in 1990, a 3.7% increase. However 2000 Census data revealed a population of 5,999 and a 2005 increase to 7,476.
Much of this growth can be attributed to the recreational opportunities that surround the Teton Valley area, Victor, Driggs, Tetonia and Alta WY.

Recreation

Just up the road from Driggs, Idaho is Grand Targhee Ski and Summer Resort boasting record setting snow depths, awe-inspiring views of the majestic Grand Teton and weightless, glistening powder for the winter enthusiast.

In the Summer, Grand Targhee is a recreational paradise that is host to a multitude of concerts including a local favorite; The Targhee Bluegrass Festival, several mountain bike races as well as scenic and exciting accommodations.

In close proximity to the ‘hole’ valley is world-class fly fishing and boating. Palisades Reservoir is ideal for waterskiing, jet skiing and troll fishing and is positioned amongst a picturesque backdrop.

Native cutthroat and brown trout entertain anglers from across the globe as they fish in nearby Henry’s Fork, the Teton River and the South Fork of the Snake.

Golf enthusiasts can also find solace as 4 golf courses currently surround the area: 1 private course, 1 semi-private course and 2 public courses.

Culture

Often characterized as an earthy and craftsmanship rich community, full of artisans in various trades, Teton Valley residents are very protective of their communities and encourage patrons to be respectful of their communities as well and the resourses that it provides..

Area galleries and musical venues offer musicians and artists alike a place to showcase their works while mingling amongst the mixture of locals and summer/winter visitors.

Each year the Teton Valley Balloon Festival is a huge event that brings people from all over to witness the colorful display of hotair balloons and they decorate the sky.

In summer each year, the August Rendevous is another popular event, that recreates the historic days of the Native Americans and fur trappers.
Last year the Idaho Film & Television Institute was established and serves as an educational institute was erected and will serve ad a school for future film and television stars.

The Future

As the popularity of this area continues, Teton Valley is in the midst of many new housing developments, commercial developments as well as recreational expansion in various areas. Cost of living has also risen since the influx of relocation.

No longer a shadowed community on the Western side of Teton Pass from Jackson Hole, but a vivid and cultivating community of culture and spirit., Teton Valley is an optimal location for any person or family looking to start a new life.