In this series called “Shaping Jackson Hole,” we’ll explore the lives of the early explorers and settlers who played a key role in the history of the Jackson Hole Valley. These individuals helped shape the land, community, and legacy that continue to define the area today.
Ever wondered where Jackson Hole got its name? In this edition of “Shaping Jackson Hole,” we explore the legacy of David Edward “Davey” Jackson, the 19th-century mountain man who helped shape the region and left a name that still defines it today.
Who Was Davey Jackson? The Man Behind Jackson Hole's Name
David Jackson was deeply intertwined in the exploration and creation of America. Davey Jackson was born into a prominent Virginia family with deep ties to early American military and frontier history. Many of his relatives had a long-storied history in the Americas and he has often been referred to as the son of the American Revolution. His father Edward Jackson and his Uncle George Jackson both served as Virginian Militia officers during the Revolutionary War. During the War of 1812, Jackson was commissioned as an Ensign in the 19th Infantry in Virginia.
Davey Jackson was born in Buckhannon, Virginia (present day West Virginia), on Oct 30, 1788, into a prominent family. In addition to learning the business, farming, hunting, and surveying skills of his father, he was educated at the Virginia Randolph Academy. In 1809, at age 21, he married Juliet Norris, and the couple had four children.
Jackson's Journey West to the Rocky Mountains
Drawn by opportunity and adventure, Jackson left Virginia for the rugged West, becoming one of the early trappers in the Teton Range. In 1822, Jackson saw an ad in a Missouri newspaper, seeking young men to travel the Missouri River to the Rocky Mountains, to be employed as guides, hunters, explorers, and trappers with the Rocky Mountain Trading Company. Although his wife was against the idea, Jackson saw this as a great opportunity to explore and gain wealth. He joined the company, along with many other young men, such as Jim Bridger, William Sublette, and Jedediah Smith, while his wife and children remained in Virginia.
For eight years Jackson pursued this adventure. Eventually, Davey Jackson, William Sublette, and Jedediah Smith formed their own fur trading company, “Smith, Jackson, and Sublette.” Jackson often returned to the valley in the Teton Mountains where he had established his own trapping territory, which Sublette eventually dubbed “Jackson’s Hole.” Today, the town of Jackson, WY bears his name.
Legacy Beyond the Name
Although Davey Jackson never settled in the valley long-term, his influence on the exploration of the Greater Yellowstone Area is undeniable.
His legacy includes:
Pioneering travel through the Tetons
Establishing key trapping territories
Helping define geographic knowledge of the region
Sharing the landscapes that would later draw settlers, conservationists, and travelers
Jackson eventually left the fur trade and shifted to more settled pursuits. He died in 1837 in Missouri.
Even with millions of visitors each year, the valley still holds the rugged spirit of exploration that Davey Jackson and his peers knew centuries ago. The landscape remains wild, scenic, and deeply connected to the early stories that helped shape Jackson Hole’s history.
Experience Jackson Hole History from the River
Though Davey Jackson never settled here permanently, Jackson’s name and influence live on in the valley that became one of the most iconic regions of the American West.
Fast forward to today, the area is a thriving destination for outdoor adventure, and there’s no better way to take in its natural beauty and rich history than with float trips in Jackson Hole. At Teton Scenic Float Tours, our Snake River float offers a peaceful, scenic journey through the heart of this historic valley. As you glide past wildlife and mountain views, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the landscape that early explorers like Davey Jackson once traveled. Join us for a float trip that connects the past with the present!
