Fun Trivia About Wyoming and Jackson Hole
Why is it called Jackson Hole? The region’s name originates from the days when trappers used the term “hole” to refer to a valley surrounded on all sides by mountains. William Subletter of mountain-man fame named this 40-mile (64 km) long by 8-to-15-mile (13 to 24 km) wide valley after his partner, Davy Jackson, back in the early 1800s.
What is the largest contiguous habitat of its kind in the lower 48 states? The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem includes over 97 percent of the land in Jackson Hole. This pristine mountain environment is preserved for future generations and protected by seven national forests, three national wildlife refuges, two national parks and numerous recreational areas in the three states of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho.
What is America’s first national park? Yellowstone National Park was the first national park in the U.S. and the first in the world when it was inaugurated in 1872. Here, visitors are enchanted by its 3,472 square miles (8,992 km2) of wild lands. It harbours an amazing concentration of geological and biological riches with 200 active geysers and at least 100 known waterfalls, 1,050 species of plants, and two endangered and three threatened animal species (gray wolf, whopping crane, grizzly bear, bald eagle and lynx).
What is the name of the prized and rare trout in Wyoming? The Snake River cutthroat trout thrives in this habitat and was originally found nowhere else in the world.
Which movies were filmed on location in Jackson Hole? “Shane,” “Spencer’s Mountain, “Any Which Way You Can,” “Rocky IV” and “The Big Trail” (John Wayne’s first speaking part and apparently his first time on a horse in 1932) among others.
What do high altitudes, dry climates and clear weather locations offer? Extraordinary star gazing. Jackson Hole is a perfect place for stunning night skies. Visitors can join the Jackson Hole Astronomy Club for its monthly outings. (www.theastrocowboy.com)
Which ski area has the longest continuous vertical rise in the U.S.? The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort rises 4,139 ft. (1,262 m) from the valley floor to the top of Rendezvous Mountain. Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole is located at the base.
Where is the largest elk preserve in North America? The National Elk Refuge, just outside the town of Jackson, contains nearly 25,000 acres (10, 117 hectares) and is home to 8,000 elk during the winter. Here visitors can enjoy close-up views on daily sleigh rides from December through March.
What is the largest national forest in the lower 48 states? The Bridger-Teton National Forest encompasses 1,694,574 acres (685,779 hectares).
Where was the first ski area in Wyoming? The Snow King Resort above the town of Jackson, which debuted in 1939.
Why is Wyoming’s state slogan “The Equality State”? It was the first government in world history to allow women to vote (in 1869, 51 years before the U.S. Constitutional amendment). The town of Jackson also elected the first all-female city council in the U.S.
Which state is the least populated? The 44th state, Wyoming, with a population of 493,782 (2000 census) and ninth in size (99,914 square miles or 258,776 km2) is 50th in population (only 5 people per square mile or every 2.5 km2).
Which world-renowned photographer captured the natural beauty of Wyoming? Ansel Adams, whose work is also on display at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole. However, it was William Henry Jackson who made the first photographs of the Tetons and Yellowstone during the Hayden Expedition of 1871 and 1872. His images were used to persuade the federal government to declare Yellowstone as the world’s first national park.
Where is the world’s only public auction of elk antlers? It takes place annually on the Jackson Town Square on the third Saturday in May. The antlers are shed by the elk that winter on the National Elk Refuge and are collected by local Boy Scouts. The majority of the auction proceeds go back to the refuge for the next year's elk-feeding program.
Which Native American tribes lived in Jackson Hole? Before 1800, Jackson Hole was home to Shoshonis, Crow, Blackfeet, Bannock and Gros Ventre. Today, the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum tells their history.
Which famous expedition in the 19th century explored Wyoming? The Lewis and Clark Expedition, which was organized by Thomas Jefferson in 1803, and crossed the Missouri River, and the Rocky Mountains en route to the Pacific Ocean. On the return journey, John Colter scouted for a fur trading company and entered Jackson Hole in 1807-8. It was then Crow territory and Colter persuaded them to trap beaver pelts, which were used for stylish hats in that time period.
Which prominent politician is from Wyoming? Vice President Dick Cheney.
Another interesting claim to fame for Jackson Hole! It has the third longest migration of wingless mammals in the world with the 150-mile (241 km) migration of its resident herd of pronghorn antelope. Archaeological evidence shows that these trips have been going on for at least 6,000 years to and from Grand Teton National Park and the southern extremes of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
