Grand Teton National Park in northwestern Wyoming protects the Teton Range — one of the youngest mountain ranges in the Rocky Mountains, rising abruptly over 7,000 feet above the valley floor of Jackson Hole without foothills. The park was established in 1929, originally protecting only the mountains themselves, and was expanded in 1950 to include much of Jackson Hole valley after John D. Rockefeller Jr. quietly purchased and donated 35,000 acres of ranchland. The park encompasses glacial lakes, alpine meadows, and the headwaters of the Snake River, and supports wildlife populations including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and one of the largest elk herds in North America. Together with adjacent Yellowstone National Park and surrounding national forests, Grand Teton is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of the last remaining large, intact temperate ecosystems on Earth.
📚 Learn More at NPSHistory.com →In 1872, the Grand Tetons' dramatic peaks rising 13,000 feet from the valley floor captured the imagination of conservationists who eventually protected them as Grand Teton National Park in 1929.
Grand Teton Mountain reaches 13,775 feet and dominates the Teton Range, which rises abruptly from the floor of Jackson Hole. The park was created after fierce local opposition; Jackson Hole National Monument was created in 1943 and later merged into the park. Contains pristine glacial lakes, abundant wildlife, and some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in North America.
From the internal review records: “In January 1870, Doane participated in what is now known as the Marias Massacre, at which, the U.S. Army killed over 170 Piegan Blackfeet, including many women, elders, and children. Doane wrote fondly about this attack and bragged about it for the rest of his life. "”
Why this matters: Grand Tetons showcase the raw power of mountain geology—where uplift and erosion created one of Earth's most dramatic landscapes. Over 3.3 million people visit this site each year.
Text asks visitors to examine how we tell history of a person. Doane was involved in early expeditions of YELL/GRTE and involved in massacre of Blackfeet tribal members.
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How do we acknowledge the good and bad of a historic figure?
Gustavus Cheyney Doane is a challenging figure. While he is known to many for his explorations and national park contributions, many Indigenous people know him for his connection to the deaths of their ancestors.
Doane served in the U.S. Army and participated in several expeditions in the greater Yellowstone area. His detailed journal notes and reports (including the quote shown here) played a role in future decisions to establish national parks in this area.
In January 1870, Doane participated in what is now known as the Marias Massacre, at which, the U.S. Army killed over 170 Piegan Blackfeet, including many women, elders, and children. Doane wrote fondly about this attack and bragged about it for the rest of his life. "
Text is temporary, could remove sticker as necessary.
In 1872, the Grand Tetons' dramatic peaks rising 13,000 feet from the valley floor captured the imagination of conservationists who eventually protected them as Grand Teton National Park in 1929.
Grand Teton Mountain reaches 13,775 feet and dominates the Teton Range, which rises abruptly from the floor of Jackson Hole. The park was created after fierce local opposition; Jackson Hole National Monument was created in 1943 and later merged into the park. Contains pristine glacial lakes, abundant wildlife, and some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in North America.
Why this matters: Grand Tetons showcase the raw power of mountain geology—where uplift and erosion created one of Earth's most dramatic landscapes. Over 3.3 million people visit this site each year.
In 1872, the Grand Tetons' dramatic peaks rising 13,000 feet from the valley floor captured the imagination of conservationists who eventually protected them as Grand Teton National Park in 1929.
Grand Teton Mountain reaches 13,775 feet and dominates the Teton Range, which rises abruptly from the floor of Jackson Hole. The park was created after fierce local opposition; Jackson Hole National Monument was created in 1943 and later merged into the park. Contains pristine glacial lakes, abundant wildlife, and some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in North America.
Why this matters: Grand Tetons showcase the raw power of mountain geology—where uplift and erosion created one of Earth's most dramatic landscapes. Over 3.3 million people visit this site each year.
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