About Jackson, Wyoming

The Town of Jackson boasts a remarkable history that stretches back thousands of years, combining indigenous heritage, pioneering spirit, and progressive civic values. Today we honor our past while building a vibrant future as a premier mountain community.

Indigenous Heritage

Long before European settlement, the Jackson Hole valley was home to indigenous peoples for over 11,000 years. Archaeological evidence reveals that members of the Bannock, Blackfoot, Crow, Eastern Shoshone, Gros Ventre, Mountain Shoshone, Nez Perce, and Northern Arapaho Tribes established seasonal camps throughout this region. These Native American groups traveled through Jackson Hole to hunt, fish, and gather resources in the abundant mountain environment. The valley's natural resources sustained indigenous communities through countless generations, and their connection to this land remains an important part of our shared heritage.

Early Settlement and Homesteading

The valley that would become Jackson Hole was named after David Edward Jackson, a trapper with the Rocky Mountain Fur Company who spent the winter of 1829 on the shores of Jackson Lake. The first two homesteads in the area were filed in 1884, marking the beginning of permanent European-American settlement. By 1900, the valley was home to 640 hardy homesteaders who braved harsh winters and isolation to build new lives in this spectacular landscape.

Early settlers established ranches, built homes and businesses, and created the foundation of what would become the Town of Jackson. These pioneers demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination, developing irrigation systems, establishing schools and churches, and creating a close-knit community bound together by shared challenges and triumphs.

Incorporation and Historic Milestones

On August 7, 1914, the Town of Jackson was officially incorporated, becoming the only incorporated municipality in Teton County. This incorporation formalized local government structure and enabled the community to provide essential services to residents. The town's incorporation represented a significant milestone in Jackson's evolution from frontier settlement to established community.

In 1920, Jackson achieved a remarkable distinction in American history when residents elected an entirely female town council. This groundbreaking election made Jackson the first municipality in the United States to be governed by an all-female administration, occurring the same year the 19th Amendment guaranteed women's right to vote nationwide. This achievement demonstrated Jackson's progressive values and the pioneering spirit that continues to define our community. According to the National Archives, the 19th Amendment was ratified on August 18, 1920, and Jackson's all-female town government became a symbol of women's expanding civic participation.

Modern Jackson

From those early days of 1,400 residents in 1920, Jackson has grown into a thriving mountain community that balances preservation of natural beauty and Western heritage with modern amenities and services. Today, the Town of Jackson serves as the cultural, business, and civic center of the Jackson Hole valley, attracting visitors from around the world while maintaining the close community connections that have always characterized mountain life.

Our economy has evolved from ranching and resource extraction to encompass tourism, outdoor recreation, arts and culture, and a diverse business community. Jackson is recognized globally as a gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, a world-class skiing destination, and a center for Western art and culture. Despite growth and change, we remain committed to the values our founders established: community, resilience, stewardship of natural resources, and civic engagement.

Location and Natural Setting

Jackson is located in northwestern Wyoming in Teton County, at the southern end of the Jackson Hole valley. The town sits at an elevation of approximately 6,200 feet, surrounded by spectacular mountain ranges including the Teton Range to the west, the Gros Ventre Range to the east, and the Wyoming Range to the south. This dramatic setting provides the backdrop for year-round outdoor recreation and contributes to Jackson's unique character and quality of life.

The proximity to Grand Teton National Park, managed by the National Park Service, and the nearby National Elk Refuge administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, creates opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, climbing, and photography. These protected lands ensure that Jackson remains surrounded by pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife.

Community Values

The Town of Jackson continues to honor the pioneering spirit and progressive values established by our founders. We are committed to environmental stewardship, responsible growth and development, preservation of community character, support for arts and culture, and civic engagement. Our history informs our future as we work to ensure Jackson remains a special place for generations to come.