Fishing the Hole > Jackson Hole History
First explored by John Colter in 1807, by the 1820s the Jackson Hole area had become a popular place for fur trappers. The most notable of the expeditions of the 1820s were the ones led by William Ashley. In 1826, several of Ashley's crew, including David E. Jackson, bought out Ashley. Most historians trace the name of the region back to Jackson. By the 1840s, however, the fur trapping industry was dying out, and Jackson Hole saw few white visitors until William C. "Teton" Jackson, "a premier horse thief," began using the remote area as a hideout in the 1880s.
The first permanent settlement in the valley was in 1883, and the town of Jackson was incorporated in 1901 (and originally called Marysvale after the settlement's first postmistress). To this day, the permanent population of Jackson is small (about 5000), but several hundred thousand tourists visit the scenic Jackson Hole valley each year, many drawn by Grand Teton National Park.
Set amidst the majestic Teton Range and surrounding mountains is Jackson Hole, one of the largest havens of wildlife remaining in the country. More than 60 species of mammals, over 200 species of birds and over half a dozen game fish call the Jackson Hole area home.
In addition to wild animals, wildflowers in an amazing variety and profusion bloom through the warm months in Jackson Hole. Species include sagebrush, buttercups, spring beauties, yellowbells and steershead.
Fishing and hunting are favorite pursuits, along with bird watching, wildlife photography, horseback riding, snowmobiling, skiing, and much, much more.. The beautiful scenery of Jackson Hole provides a picture-perfect backdrop for all kinds of outdoor sports, especially in the fall when the valley's foliage turns to brilliant shades of red and gold.
The lively, western town of Jackson with its unique shops, art galleries, theaters and numerous other attractions provides exciting alternatives with just the right touch of civilization. Jackson Hole's many experienced local guides and outfitters will ensure that a visitor's trip is a memorable one. Pack into the high country in search of trophy-caliber big game, or explore the secret fishing holes of the famous Snake River in search of the area's native cutthroat trout, or both. Jackson Hole is a sportsman's paradise!
Jackson is the seat of Teton County, and its only incorporated town. While most of the county's population lives in the Jackson Hole area, there is an outpost on the western slopes in the small community of Alta and its neighbor, the Grand Targhee ski resort.
A full 3,826,407 acres comprise Teton County, of which 97% is under state or federal management. Other towns in Teton County are Alta, Kelly, Moose, Moran, Teton Village and Wilson.
Jackson Hole is, as our residents are proud to remind you, the Last of the Old West. The best way to explore it is to start with the town of Jackson, near the southern end of the 50-mile-long valley (or "hole").
Walk the board sidewalks around the town square, the charming park in the center of town, and make sure you see the elkhorn arches at the four corners. The statue in the center was erected in 1976 as a memorial to the valley's war heroes. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, stagecoach rides depart every few minutes, making a short tour before returning passengers to the depot.
The Wild West returns to Jackson's town square every evening at 7 o'clock as the Cache Creek Posse rides into town to shoot it out with an ornery outlaw -- another popular attraction sponsored by the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce for over 20 years.