Explorers 1860-1879

Walter W. DeLacy explores what will become Yellowstone National Park and Jackson Hole looking for gold and other minerals. Many prospectors explore the region (1863-1897), but find little of interest. The miner pictured is cradling for gold. (Photo Credit: USGS, W.H. Jackson)

The Snake River Division of the Hayden Survey maps Jackson Hole and the Teton Range. Many names of topographic features not named by the fur trappers come from this survey, including Mount Moran and Phelps, Taggart, Bradley, Jenny and Leigh lakes. (Photo credit: USGS)

Nathanial P. Langford and James Stevenson claim to complete the first ascent of the Grand Teton. William Owen later challenges this claim. This photograph was taken by William Henry Jackson on the day of the ascent. (Photo credit: USGS, W.H. Jackson)

Ferdinand V. Hayden conducted geographic and geologic surveys in the western territories starting in 1867. This is one of the maps produced from these surveys