Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, is just 16 kilometers (10 miles) south of its big sister, Yellowstone National Park, and is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Photograph by James P. Blair, National Geographic
  • On February 26, 1929, Grand Teton National Park, in northwestern Wyoming, was created. Unlike nearby Yellowstone, Grand Teton took many years and much effort to become a national park. 
     
    As early as 1897, it was suggested that adding extra parkland to the south of Yellowstone would offer extra protection for migrating elk herds. Grand Teton originally only protected the peaks and glaciers, however. Residents, including ranchers, believed a national park would limit their business or alter their rural lifestyle.
     
    Eventually, a desire to preserve the beauty and history of the “Old West” inspired Wyomingites to support an expansion of the park. The addition of 14,164 hectares (35,000 acres) surrounding the mountains finally came about in 1950.
  • Term Part of Speech Definition Encyclopedic Entry
    alter Verb

    to change.
    elk Noun

    large species of deer native to North America. Also called American elk and wapiti.
    glacier Noun

    mass of ice that moves slowly over land.

    		 Encyclopedic Entry: glacier
    herd Noun

    group of animals.
    lifestyle Noun

    way of living, including cultural, economic, and social habits.
    migrate Verb

    to move from one place or activity to another.
    national park Noun

    geographic area protected by the national government of a country.
    Old West Noun

    time period that refers to the western part of North America in the 19th century.
    peak Noun

    the very top.
    preserve Noun

    an area restricted for the protection and preservation of natural resources
    rancher Noun

    person who owns or manages a livestock farm (ranch).
    rural Adjective

    having to do with country life, or areas with few residents.
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Editor

Caryl-Sue, National Geographic Society

Producer

Mary Crooks, National Geographic Society

Last Updated

Dec. 17, 2013

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