Prehistoric Indians 14,000-500 years ago

Plants and animals begin to colonize the region after the retreat of the Ice Age glaciers.

The first paleo-Indians enter Jackson Hole where they made obsidian tools, hunted large animals and gathered plant resources. Use of the valley was seasonal during the summer.

Native peoples inhabit Jackson Hole during the summer season. They gather plants and hunt large animals using an atlatl and construct stone-lined roasting pits. (Photo credit: USGS, W.H. Jackson)

The bow and arrow replaces the atlatl. Indians use local materials to manufacture clay and soapstone bowls. They continue to hunt and gather the resources of Jackson Hole during the summer season.

American Indian tribes that we know today – Shoshone (also known as the sheep-eaters and the Snake), Bannock, Crow, Blackfoot and Gros Ventre use the resources of Jackson Hole seasonally. Tribal territories change when Indians acquire the horse.