Puzzle Grand Teton National Park - John Moulton Barn

The John Moulton Barn at Mormon Row in Grand Teton National Park, near Jackson Hole, Wyoming. In 1908, John Moulton embarked on a journey from Chapin, Idaho, accompanied by his brothers, Alma and Wallace, and his friends, Thomas Murphy and Ernest Stone. Over the span of 1908 to 1916, he undertook the arduous task of removing sage from 80 acres, cultivating oats and hay on 60 acres, and erecting a home, barn, and corral while ensuring the entire land was fenced. During the initial winters following their migration, Moulton and his brothers returned to Idaho to earn money to cover living expenses, "working a grubstake." It wasn't until eight years later, after filing for an extension on his initial filing for land ownership, that the General Land Office officially recognized Moulton's claim to the property in 1916. After dedicating nearly three decades to improving and working the land with Bartha, his wife, they upgraded their home and barn. Replacing the home with a new stucco frame house built by carpenters and erecting a grand two-story gambrel barn. Mormon Row, originally known as Grovont, was established by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the 1890s. Brought to the area under the Homestead Act of 1862, they established a new community and successfully claimed 27 homesteads by building homes and farming the land for 5 years. Mormon Row was active until it was gradually abandoned in the mid-20th century and integrated into Grand Teton National Park. In 1997, what remains of Mormon Row was recognized on the National Register of Historic Places as an important historical district. Copyright 2024 Susan Rissi Tregoning