Jewel of the Tetons: The Rockefeller Legacy in Grand Teton National Park
The Rockefeller Donation
This summer, the Rockefeller family is making a final donation of 1,106 acres to Grand Teton National Park, opening up a spectacular parcel of wilderness to the public for the first time in 75 years. The JY Ranch, a scenic property with lakeside wilderness and diverse natural environments, has been inaccessible since 1932, when philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. acquired it as a summer retreat.
The History of Jackson Hole and the Tetons
Jackson Hole, a 55-mile-long, high-mountain valley dominated by the 13,770-foot Grand Teton, has a rich history. Native American tribes were the first to camp in the area, followed by fur trappers who coined the term “hole” to describe the unusual high plateau surrounded by mountains. In the early 20th century, wealthy Easterners began visiting the valley, attracted by its stunning scenery and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The Creation of Grand Teton National Park
John D. Rockefeller Jr. first visited Jackson Hole in 1926 and was captivated by the beauty of the Teton Mountains. Concerned about the threat of development to the region, he secretly began acquiring land with the intention of donating it to the government to create a national park. In 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated much of the valley as a national monument, and in 1950, the enlarged Grand Teton National Park was established.
The JY Ranch and the Rockefeller Family
The JY Ranch was one of the parcels that Rockefeller acquired in the 1930s. He fell in love with the rustic retreat and spent many summers there with his family. However, his son Laurance became particularly attached to the property and convinced his father to keep it when he donated the bulk of his Jackson Hole holdings to the park in 1949. Laurance began donating pieces of the JY in the 1980s, and the final 1,106 acres will be handed over this September.
The Importance of Conservation
The creation of Grand Teton National Park was a major victory for conservationists. The park protects a vast and diverse ecosystem, including alpine lakes, mountain peaks, forests, and grasslands. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including moose, elk, bears, and eagles. The park also serves as a vital migration corridor for wildlife, ensuring the long-term health of the ecosystem.
The Legacy of the Rockefellers
The Rockefeller family has played a pivotal role in the conservation of Jackson Hole and the Teton Mountains. John D. Rockefeller Jr.’s vision of a national park has been realized, and his family’s continued support has ensured the protection of this pristine wilderness for future generations.
The Future of the JY Ranch
The addition of the JY Ranch to Grand Teton National Park will provide visitors with new opportunities to explore the region’s backcountry. A state-of-the-art visitors center and a four-mile loop trail to Phelps Lake will be constructed, allowing visitors to experience the area’s natural beauty while minimizing their impact on the environment. The ranch’s historic buildings, many of which date back to its days as a dude ranch, will be preserved and interpreted for visitors.
The Beauty of the Tetons
The Teton Mountains are some of the most iconic peaks in the United States. Their jagged, snowcapped summits rise above the emerald-green lakes and lush meadows of Jackson Hole, creating a landscape of unparalleled beauty. The mountains offer a wide range of recreational opportunities, from hiking and climbing to fishing and boating.
The Importance of Wilderness
Wilderness areas are vital for the health of the planet and the well-being of humans. They provide habitat for wildlife, protect water quality, and offer opportunities for recreation and spiritual renewal. The addition of the JY Ranch to Grand Teton National Park will help to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty and benefits of wilderness.