Grass Roots Conservation

Celebrating a Century in Jackson Hole

For thousands of years, Elk herds migrated through Jackson Hole on their way to winter ranges in the Red Desert, Green River drainage, Big Horn Basin and Teton Valley.  As settlements in these areas expanded in the late 1800’s, the traditional elk feeding grounds were replaced with cultivated fields and pastures. Their migration routes were disrupted by wire fences and wholesale slaughter from indiscriminant hunting.  Hemmed in on all sides, the elk gradually ceased to migrate beyond Jackson Hole.

   

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Images selected and text written by Steve Morriss, fabulous Friend of the Museum.

Special thanks to the American Heritage Center for allowing the use of images from the Stephen N. Leek Collection. Click here to see more from that collection. All other photos and documents are from the collection of the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum.