In the valley of Jackson Hole, surrounded by the Teton Range, the town of Jackson began and still serves as a living testament to the American West. Unlike many other places in Wyoming, Jackson Hole’s history doesn’t include tales of mining booms or railroad expansion, but is a story of late settlement, an abundance of natural beauty and a balance found between family homesteads and wildlife. Native Americans were the first to live in these lands learning the intricacies of surviving seasonal changes, the terrain and challenging mountain passes, and living amongst the European and American explorers that came later. It wasn’t until the late 1800’s that the area began to transform, by way of hunting expeditions and the fur trade movement in the early 1800s pushing traders westward to explore this new area. Well known in the American West, Jackson got its name after a pioneer, explorer, trader, and fur trapper David (“Davey”) Edward Jackson.
The Homestead Act of 1862 brought permanent settlers, much later than other Wyoming settlements due to the area’s isolation and challenging terrain. Those who chose to stay faced harsh winters, isolation, and the constant challenge of trying to tame an unforgivable land. Many explorers turned away when facing these obstacles but those who persevered through each challenging season displayed what's referred to as the “cowboy spirit,” a combination of bravery, grit, and unwavering determination that you needed to survive. As fur trappers evolved into ranchers, the foundation of Jackson’s iconic cowboy culture was laid.
“History.” History | Jackson, WY, www.jacksonwy.gov/202/History. Accessed 24 Oct. 2024.
As Jackson Hole transitioned from a remote wilderness to a settled community, ranching became a key part of the local economy and culture. The endless open fields proved ideal for cattle ranching, though the mountain environment presented a unique set of challenges. This formed a specific code of ethics among the community emphasizing integrity and honesty, respect for the land, a strong sense of community and dedication to hard work. It was then that the true ‘cowboy spirit’ grew and took hold of this community.
“Cowboys: See Vintage Life Photos of American Cowboys.” LIFE, 16 Dec. 2019, www.life.com/history/vintage-photos-american-cowboy/.
Jackson’s heritage is preserved through annual western themed events, local ordinances protecting the town's western character, educational programs that pass these traditional skills down to new generations. Western themed shops and restaurants line the streets offering authentic clothes and food. Dude ranches give others a taste of the cowboy lifestyle while museums like the new Jackson Hole Historical Society house artifacts and stories of the past. This ‘cowboy spirit’ has also adapted to modern times as well. In the past, self-reliance, respect for nature, and a strong sense of community described cowboys, but those values still align perfectly with Jacksons community and what they treasure.
The story of Jackson is built on the resilience of families, who had the courage to move to a place that was neither well known nor well traveled. The Houfek family (yes, our own team member Nick Houfek’s ancestors!) homesteaded in the area now known as Solitude in the late 1800s. From owning all of the land in Cache Creek (later traded for two lots in Wilson and two tailored suits) to running the local tavern, the Houfek family’s rhetoric and history goes hand and hand with our town's history and is a telling anecdote of adaptation and resilience.
Historic Photos, www.wyomingtalesandtrails.com/photos3.html. Accessed 24 Oct. 2024.
Modern day Jackson successfully balances this rich heritage by not only preserving its cowboy culture in museums but also through day to day life. Local initiatives support the ranching lifestyle while new developments are preserving land for wildlife. Education also plays a key role with programs designed to teach younger generations about the town's western character.
The values that defined the original cowboys—self-reliance, respect for nature, and strong community bonds continue to shape the town's identity while personal stories are crucial in carrying these legacies forward. Longtime residents like the Houfek family serve as living libraries, their memories and experiences forming a part of Jackson’s historical narrative. As Jackson continues to evolve, the community is still committed to maintaining its unique character. Local museums and historical societies work hard to preserve the stories of longtime residents, like the Houfeks, so that the spirit of the Old West can continue to inspire future generations.
The cowboy spirit that built Jackson isn't a relic of the past but is actively a part of our communities identity, adapting and evolving while staying true to its roots. In Jackson, you don't just observe western heritage; you experience it in every aspect of daily life.
To get to know more about Jackson’s culture and our community's way of life, get connected with a member of our team.
