Grand Teton National Park History

The history of Grand Teton National Park involves controversy and a struggle that lasted several decades. Anti-park sentiments were fueled by animosity toward expanding governmental control and a perceived loss of individual freedoms.

With so many millions of visitors visiting Grand Teton National Park, it is surprising to learn that its history began with a major battle between federal government wishes and anti-park activists in Jackson Hole. However, since those days, the park has increased not only in popularity, but also in its support, providing recreation, relaxation and stunning scenery for all age groups to enjoy.

• 1929 - The original Grand Teton National Park was set aside by an act of Congress and included only the Teton Range and six glacial lakes at the base of the mountains.
• 1943 - The Jackson Hole National Monument decreed by Franklin D.Roosevelt through presidential proclamation combined Teton National Forest acreage, other federal properties including Jackson Lake and a generous 35,000-acre donation by John D.Rockefeller, Jr. The Rockefeller lands continued to be privately held until December 16, 1949 when impasse for addition to the national park was resolved.
• On September 14, 1950 - the original 1929 Park and the 1943 National Monument (including Rockefeller’s donation) were united into a “new” Grand Teton National Park, creating present-day boundaries.