The Lewis and Clark expedition launched seventy years of scientific survey expeditions across the United States. Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the location of Grand Teton National Park, was first explored in 1860. In 1853, Congress saw a need for a transcontinental railroad, sending multiple military survey teams throughout the nation searching for the best route. In 1860, with the Union on the verge of collapse, Captain W.F. Raynolds survey expedition stumbled upon Jackson Hole. The area was eventually deemed too difficult of terrain for a railroad. Over the next twenty years multiple groups of scientific excursions covered the area, with multiple individuals striving to reach the summit of the Grand Teton. In 1884 the area was opened to homesteaders and settlers moved into the area until 1928. Cattle became the main economic activity in Jackson Hole. Towards the end of the 1920s drought and low economy led to difficulty for homesteaders in the area.

The original park was established by Congress in 1929 to protect the Teton Range, which restricted further settlement of Jackson Hole. The Grand Teton National Park slowly began to grow. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. donated land to the park in 1949, and was an essential player in the development of park lodging for visiting travelers. The end of World War II allowed greater access of automobiles for citizens, increasing tourist activity in the park. Today, Grand Teton National Park offers a variety of lounges and hiking trails, along with opportunities to see mountain wildlife in their natural setting.

Researched, written, and narrated by University of West Florida Public History Student Lindsay Gillaspie.