Jackson Hole is truly a special community. In fact, many people come here for the beauty of the mountains but remain because of the special community they find. The people here work to conserve the flavor of Jackson. There is a real feeling of the power of place as people are very passionate about this valley, its resources, history and the future of it.
The entire community participates in philanthropy. The Community Foundation of Jackson Hole has put on the most innovative fundraiser in the nation called Old Bill’s Fun Run and after 18 years has raised over $133 million for local non-profits. This small community is home to over 200 non-profits all serving a purpose whether it be securing the landscape for generations to come, housing homeless pets or feeding those in need. Our population of roughly 22,268 supports these charitable organizations and feels the benefit of them.
The Town of Jackson recently celebrated its 100 year celebration with much fanfare and reflection, and although while 100 years does not seem like a lot in the face of history much has happened over those years that make this community stand apart. A few of the notable events:
1807- John Colter was the first non-native American to come to Jackson.
1828- Town is named after fur trapper David Edward “Davey” Jackson
1869- Wyoming became the first state to support women’s suffarage
1876- Yellowstone becomes the world’s first National Park
1890- Wyoming is officially a state. The “Equality State”
1905- The National elk Refuge is established
1914- Town of Jackson is incorporated
1920-First all women City government in the world
1924- Nation’s first woman governor, Nellie Taylor Ross, is elected
1929- Snow King (town hill) opens
1950- National Fish Hatchery is established
1953- Rotarians erect the first of three elk antler arches on the town square.
1962- Grand Teton Music Festival holds its first concert
1964- Wilderness Act passes leading to the creation of Teton & Gros Ventre Wilderness in the mountains north and east of town.
1966- Aerial tram opens at JHMR carrying skiers to the top of Rendezvous Mtn. (10,450 ft.)
1987- Wildlife Museum opens
1997- First Old Bill’s Fun Run for Charities is held
Other interesting facts about this unique valley:
Just over 97% of Teton County’s 2.7 million acres are owned by the federal government
Home to 208 local non-profits
Highest Point- The top of the Grand Teton 13, 770
The Lowest Point- Where the Snake river leaves Teton County 5,800
The arts are a very important part of the Valley as we have 34 art galleries and 20% of the non-profits have an arts related bent.
An educated population- more than half of adults age 25 and older retain a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Teton county has more jobs than it does residents at a ratio of 1:1.25
There are over 50 miles of shared use pathways in Teton County.