An archaeological survey of the Jackson Hole region, Wyoming

An archaeological survey of the Jackson Hole region in northwestern Wyoming reveals about 9,000 years of probable seasonal habitation at elevations from 6,000 to 11,000 feet. Local climate and recent geological events including glaciation, faulting, loess deposition and development of terraces have been significant determiners of site locations. A number of obsidian and ignimbrite quarries were located and several others are postulated. A least four steatite localities were utilized. The funneling effect of mountain passes on game may provide a procurement method for subsistence at high elevations. A mixed economy was probably most prevalent with perhaps some emphasis on bison and other large game animals. Prehistoric travel routes through the region are manifest, and direction of population movement along them seems determinable.