Historic Homesteads of Grand Teton National Park
John Moulton Barn in Grand Teton National Park’s Mormon Row
Grand Teton National Park is known for its incredibly picturesque mountain peaks, but recently on a rainy day I escaped the typical national park crowds and explored a unique historic aspect of this park. Join me today as we explore some of Grand Teton National Park’s historic homesteads and structures.
T.A. Moulton Barn in Grand Teton National Park’s Mormon Row
John Moulton Barn in Grand Teton National Park’s Mormon Row
Thomas Murphy Homestead in Grand Teton National Park’s Mormon Row
Mormon Row
The Homestead Act of 1862 offered 160 acres to anyone who “improved” the land by building & cultivating it, and by the 1890s a number of Mormon families began homesteading – constructing ranches, homes, a school, and a church in the Grovont area. These Mormon settlers were unique in that they approached ranching as a communal activity, and unlike the other homesteaders who were distant & spread out, the families here worked together in the caring for crops, building structures, etc.
John Moulton Barn & Homestead in Grand Teton National Park’s Mormon Row
Thomas Murphy Homestead in Grand Teton National Park’s Mormon Row
Mormon Row in Grand Teton National Park
Famous Structures
The barns were the highlighting feature of every homestead. In fact, two the the most photographed barns in the world (and dare I say the most popular) are found here…the T.A. Moulton Barn and the John Moulton Barn neighbor each other down the road. The Muoltons’ pink stucco house has a sweet history. Mr. Muolton surprised his wife by painting the building…and when she first saw it Mrs. Moulton despised the color, but adored the effort & sentiment, so the color stayed (even to this day). The giant hayloft towers at the Thomas Murphy Homestead as well as over a dozen structures can be seen here along a self guided walking tour.
Moulton Homestead in Grand Teton National Park’s Mormon Row
John Moulton Barn in Grand Teton National Park’s Mormon Row
Thomas Murphy Homestead in Grand Teton National Park’s Mormon Row
JP Cunningham Cabin in Grand Teton National Park
JP Cunningham Cabin
During the 1880s, J. Pierce Cunningham established the Bar Flying U Ranch in Jackson Hole. While many surrounding ranches suffered due to soil that was very porous, Cunningham recognized the quartzite-rich soil here was different and provided better nutrients for raising lush grasses. The only building still standing here is the original Cunningham Cabin…although you can take the short self guided walking tour to view what’s left of the foundations of the ranch house, shed, and barn.
JP Cunningham Cabin in Grand Teton National Park
JP Cunningham Cabin in Grand Teton National Park
Know Before You Go
• Always check the NPS Website for the most accurate and up-to-date park information, including weather/closures and park details.
• Please remember the Leave No Trace Principles on your visit. It is illegal to collect, remove, deface or destroy any natural objects (plant, animal or mineral) inside Grand Teton National Park.
• Explore the official Mormon Row information page here.
Top 10 Grand Teton Spots
Schwabacher Landing
Oxbow Bend
Jenny Lake
Mormon Row
Willow Flats Overlook
Jackson Lake
Snake River Overlook
JP Cunningham Cabin
Teton Glacier Turnout
Teton Point Turnout
Historic Bar Flying U Ranch in Grand Teton National Park
In Summary & Behind the Blog Video
Thanks so much for joining me this week in Grand Teton National Park. For a virtual visit to these historic structures, see my Behind the Blog YouTube video below. Until next week I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
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