Colter's Hell and Jackson's Hole: The Fur Trappers' Exploration of the Yellowstone and Grand Teton Park Region

"Colter's Hell and Jackson's Hole" by Merrill J. Mattes is a historical account likely written in the mid-20th century. The book delves into the explorations and fur-trapping adventures in the Yellowstone and Grand Teton region, highlighting the contributions of early trappers, particularly John Colter, known as the first explorer of Yellowstone. It offers a detailed narrative on the geographical marvels and historical significance of the area while unraveling misconceptions about its legendary features. The opening of the book sets the stage for the historical journey through the Yellowstone-Grand Teton region, emphasizing its hidden beauty and adventurous past, particularly before it was formally recognized as a national park. The text reveals that for thirty years prior to the Washburn-Langford-Doane expedition in the 1870s, fur trappers explored these lands yet remained largely uncredited in history. It introduces the concept of "Colter's Hell," clarifying that the name was misapplied historically and ties it to the early exploration narrative led by the trappers seeking beaver furs, ultimately weaving rich historical threads that connect these figures to the mesmerizing landscapes they traversed.