Grand Tetons, part 3: the history of Grand Teton National Park

The history in establishing the Grand Tetons national park is fairly fascinating and involves at least 1 legendary businessman… In 1917, the National Park Service tried to pass a bill expanding Yellowstone’s boundaries to include Jackson Hole. The bill passed in the House but was rejected by the Senate, who took the side of local ranchers who were worried that the expanded national park would reduce the grazing areas for the animals on their ranches. Multiple amendments/proposals later, the Grand Teton valley still remained a rancher’s area.

Then in 1924 and 1926, John D. Rockefeller visited the valley. While he was impressed with the valley, he was also alarmed at the commercial development and worried that the expansion might erode the nature. So in 1926, he started the Snake River Land Company which, using a local purchasing agent to keep prices low and ensure that people would sell, bought up approx. 35,000 acres of the most spectacular land in the valley. In 1929, he attempted to donate the land to the US gov. to be converted to a national park, however opposition from local ranchers delayed this from happening. His gift was finally accepted in 1943 by FDR, who took the gift and other land and used his presidential power to establish the Jackson Hole National Monument. This did not go over well, and much debate ensured. Finally in 1950, Harry Truman signed a bill which created the Grand Teton national park – a 350,000 acre area. Up until 2006, the Rockefeller’s still owned a private house/lake in the Grand Tetons. Many interesting books have been written on this, and it is mentioned in the biographies of all of the Rockefellers.

This goes to show what wealthy people can do when they are given the opportunity to donate their money as they see fit instead of being taxed more. :)

Grand Tetons, part 1: I’m missing the best vacation ever right now…

Every 2 years, my 2 favorite families (the P’s & B’s) spend one week in the most gorgeous place on earth… the Grand Tetons. As this is my favorite place to visit, I long ago promised myself that I would never miss the Grand Teton trip. However, the P’s & B’s pulled a fast one and went last year, in an “off year,” and are now there for the 2nd year in a row. As I’m far away in Europe with only expensive last-minute air fares to get me there, I’ve had to miss both trips… so sad.

The Grand Tetons national park is not well known, especially in comparison to its twin, Yellowstone. However, it has some of the most gorgeous natural scenery in the world. This is especially true if you love the outdoors and cowboys. Surrounding the Teton mountains is a flat valley with a river that snakes through it (appropriately called the Snake River). The Tetons pierce out of the valley in a jagged Alp-like manner (or “Teton-like,” if you prefer the French terminology). The tops of the Tetons are covered in glaciers, the bottoms are covered in alpine meadows (full of wild flowers), Aspen groves, pine groves, mountain lakes & stream, hot springs and grass land. Animals like buffalo, moose, deer and other small critters are plentiful. In the 1940’s, the park was made particularly famous by the photographer Ansel Adams who captured the stunning scenery in black & white photographs. The most famous photo being “The Tetons & Snake River.”

The Grand Tetons offers so many activities for the outdoor lovers: hiking, rafting, canoeing, biking, swimming, horseback riding, visiting the geysers of Yellowstone, boating, trips to the local town of Jackson Hole, attending a rodeo or demolition derby (if you’re lucky!), or attending a play or concert. Skiing is also available in the winter… it has always been a goal of mine to go skiing here in the winter. If you’re a town-lover, there are many things to do/see in Jackson Hole, the local town. There is good shopping, fun dining, an old fashioned theatre playing musicals and an annual music festival. The best part of the town experience happens at the end of summer: the rodeo and demolition derby! If you have never attended a rodeo or a demolition derby, you are missing life. Sitting in the stands cheering as people get muddy is very entertaining. FYI, the car that has the most room to be compacted, like a caddie or a station wagon, will always win in a demolition derby.

I dream of this week every year. Thus, I’m very upset that I’m not there. I keep wondering who will encourage you all on the hikes and to beat you at the nightly game of poker? :) Next year I will join. Preferably, let’s go at the end of July so that we are there for the rodeo!

*The pic above is a pic of the Grand Teton (on the left) and Mt. Moran (on the right) at sunset, taken from the Jackson Lake Lodge. Clicking on the link will make it larger.