As I mentioned in my previous post, last week I spent a few days with my sister, Ellen who is a Park Ranger at Yellowstone Park. One day we ventured from Yellowstone down to the Grand Teton National Park and looked at a few of the sights. One of my favorite places is an area called Mormon Row in the valley below the Tetons.
Long before the area became a National Park the area was settled by Mormon settlers in the 1890’s at the direction of their church. Rather than being spread out from each other they put their homesteads close to each other for community and shared labor. They built their farms and an extensive irrigation system to water their farms.
They stayed on their homesteads until the 1950’s when they were bought out when the land for the national park was being acquired. Many of their buildings are preserved, especially the barns and photographers (and picture takers like me) flock from all over the world come to capture images of the buildings with the mountains in the background.
This trip though,, the smokey hazy skies along with the shadowy afternoon light defeated me. Still, I love the area. I had an aunt and uncle who had a mountain ranch tucked deep into a valley in southeastern Idaho and their buildings were similar in design and construction to those in Mormon Row.
(Sorry I couldn’t resist”
I sense that although a settler’s life is hard that it must have been a pleasant place to live in the summer with the cool breezes and the astounding view of the mountains. The Tetons are the most awe inspiring mountains that I have ever seen and I couldn’t get enough of looking at them. I am just sorry that I couldn’t capture that.
I really love our national parks, I love that they are a precious resource and are defended by all against exploitation. We need more areas like this, not less.
How about you, have you ever been to Mormon Row?
I am linking with Skywatch Friday
I have not been to Mormon Row but have seen lots of photos of an iconic barn. I like what you took as I’ve not seen them before. Bummer about the smoke.
What beautiful pictures! Can’t wait to see it for myself. And what a dream job your sister has! 😊
Outstanding set of images Yogi. Honestly. I like how the smoke mutes the mountains in the background and brings the focus on the structures. Nicely done.
I’ve never seen this mormon row, but now I wush I’d known about it. We’ve been to the Tetons & Jacksonhole…along the snake river. Each & every season. And it’s beautiful…even snowing in July!
Loved going along with you! Wonderful photos.
I’ve heard of Mormon Row and seen photos… but never been. Thanks for sharing these, and I think they came out great. I have been to the Grand Tetons, and like you said, they are the most awe-inspiring mountains ever. Totally love that “loo with a view” shot!!
A beautiful landscape and your last photo is a truly fabulous photo
Beautiful skies.
Sydney – City and Suburbs
I think the settlers were a hardy lot – as tough as the mountains that surrounded them . What amazing views ! Thanks for sharing
I think being a Park Ranger is interesting. The loo is more solid and better built that what we had those days when we were living in the village. The last picture is beautiful!
Wow – fabulous scenery and old buildings!
fabulous landscape. I wonder what happened to the Mormon community when their land was bought out? the whole community moved somewhere else together?
So beautiful. Last pic Awesome.
Majestic mountains and Mormons Row is fascinating ~ Great photos despite the mist over the mountains ~
Happy Day to you,
A ShutterBug Explores
Loved the Tetons. It was smoky when we were there years ago too.
Going to Yellowstone in October. It would be neat to meet Ellen. I have visited her blog before.
That little tiny shed reminds me of an outhouse.
Hello, gorgeous views of the Tetons. The Mormon Row photos are lovely. It is a popular place for the photographers. I love the barn and the mountains. Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend! PS, thanks for your comment on my blog.
I have a special place in my heart for Yellowstone. Memories of camping there with my parents and fishing with my dad always brings back good feelings. – Margy
Believe it or not, I have never been to Yellowstone Park. It is on my “bucket list.” At my age of 76, I’m not sure I’m going to X that place off my list of things to accomplish. Oh well. Looking at your photographs and reading the history was a pleasure. Thank you.
We have been there and it is fascinating way to learn history and to think about what it would have been like to live back then. Even with the hazy/smoky skies your pictures tell a good story and i enjoyed them and the memories.
I am not sure why you are apologizing – I think the photos are mesmerizing. I have been to Yellowstone but not Mormon Row – I could look at those buildings against those backdrops all day. Yes, I do think the life of a settler was very difficult; I often wonder if they admired the ‘scenery’ or just took it for granted or saw it only as a resource …
This is cool! I actually just posted about this today on my blog! I loved it so much there. And your photos are beautiful/