The Early Days in Jackson Hole

Pioneer photographer William Henry Jackson aimed his camera at the high peaks. Gently, he removed the cap covering the lens. Focused on the wet glass plate was the image of the Teton Mountains, a sight heretofore known only to a handful of Indians, trappers and explorers. The year: 1872.

In the decades to follow many skilled photographers arrived in the Teton country to record the spectacular beauty of natural features and wildlife. A few chose for subjects the human activity, documenting the life of the sportsmen, early settlers, ranchers and dudes. They photographed the growing communities of Jackson Hole and the struggles to cope with the elements. Over the years, these pictures formed a colorful history of the country, and were to influence the establishment of the National elk Refuge and Grand Teton National Park.

Recognizing the importance of these photographs, Virginia Huidekoper assembled a permanent file to be preserved in Teton County. She prepared this volume from the best pictures in the collection. A valuable reference book for historians and photographers, it is also an engrossing "family album" for the residents of Jackson Hole and its many visitors.