This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Yellowstone Fires of 1988. Check back over the next few months for information about what has happened since in the world’s first national park. Written material and video will be posted as it becomes available detailing events, reflections, and learning experiences relating to the summer of 1988.
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Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid – 100 Years Later
Not much has changed at the Hole-in-the-Wall near Kaycee, Wyoming where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid hid from posses in the late 1800s. The hills are still rugged with the same grand views. Today visitors can trace the movement of these infamous outlaws throughout the State of Wyoming exploring saloons, hotels, prison cells and other hang outs occupied by the pair over 100 years ago.
Butch Cassidy
History books state Butch Cassidy, born Robert LeRoy Parker and the Sundance Kid, born Harry Longabaugh, went down in blaze of glory in a gun fight with local law enforcement near San Vincent, Bolivia on November 6, 1908. They left Wyoming in 1901 in an attempt to evade the Pinkerton Detective Agency (known today as the FBI).
Sundance Kid
There is much debate as to whether this was the true fate of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Some believe the story told by Butch’s sister, Lula Parker Betenson, that the outlaws faked their deaths and returned to the States, living anonymously for years; both dying in the 1930s. Whether you believe the latter or not, one thing is certain, they leave behind a legacy of mystery and intrigue that entices thousands of people to retrace their footsteps throughout Wyoming.
The Hole-in-the-Wall, located approximately 30 miles west of Kaycee, can be accessed by the Willow Creek Ranch which also offers authentic ranch experiences and remote access for exploration. Geographically, this area has all the advantages needed for a gang attempting to evade authorities. It was easily defended, and impossible for lawmen to access without detection by the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang. The original cabin that housed Butch Cassidy can now be found at Old Trail Town in Cody, Wyoming.
Butch and Sundance also liked to frequent the Occidental Hotel in Buffalo where rooms are named after them today. South of Buffalo and 16 miles west of the town of Kaycee is the Outlaw Cave Recreation Area. It contains a public campground, a Native American rock shelter with pictographs, and the famous "Outlaw Cave." Another popular place for the gang to hideout was in Baggs, Wyoming, bordering Colorado and offering a quick escape.
Territorial Prison
If you trace the history of Robert Leroy Parker, you will learn that he received his nickname, “Butch” in Rock Springs Wyoming where he worked in several butcher shops. Butch also called the< a style="color: #666633; text-underline: single; font-weight:700" href="http://www.meeteetsewy.com/">Meeteetse area home for several years. He left his mark on an 1886 petition, and a few years later in 1890, was arrested outside the local Cowboy Bar that still holds the original back bar and several bullet holes from times past. Later, Butch spent time at the Territorial Prison for stealing horses but was released with a promise to never return or operate in Wyoming again. The Sundance Kid received his name after being thrown in prison in Sundance, Wyoming for the same offense.
Hole-in-the-Wall
Each year in August, a group of enthusiasts gather for an eight day Outlaw Trail Ride beginning in Thermopolis and ending at the Hole-in-the-Wall. Guests make the trek across the vast Wyoming countryside on horseback discovering historical landmarks along the way. The trip also includes a stop at the Hot Springs County Museum which houses the original Hole-in-the-Wall Saloon. In addition to this group, Historic Trails West offers horseback trips across various parts of Wyoming including a six-day Outlaw Trail Ride through Hole-in-the-Wall and Thunder Mountain Tours provides an interpretive tour of the area with access to private land that surrounds the area, including views from the top of the bluff.
Although his death is a mystery, some believe that Butch did in fact bury loot near Mary’s Lake in the Wind River Mountains. Those believers think that he returned to the area after his alleged death and dug up his fortune, living off it in his later years. Others believe he never returned and that loot is still buried up there somewhere today.
20th Anniversary of the Yellowstone Fires of ‘88
Sometimes numbers tell the story. Twenty years ago this month fires began to burn portions of the world’s first national park. At first they were allowed to burn naturally but public pressure, most notably on national television newscasts and talk shows, brought a change in the “let it burn” policy. It was the driest summer in Yellowstone’s recorded history to begin with and strong winds cursing across very tough terrain made firefighting efforts extremely difficult and hazardous. The fight was arduous - 25,000 people participated over the summer. They saved human lives and property. No major Yellowstone structures were lost. But it was rain and snow that finally stopped the fires in September of 1988. The cost: $120 million. More than 790,000 acres of Yellowstone’s 2.2 million were affected by fire. Incredibly just 300 large mammals, mainly elk, were killed.
Yellowstone
Because the mosaic of patterns mixed burned, unburned and partially burned land areas new habitats were developed for Yellowstone’s plants and animals. The rejuvenation began almost immediately.
There are a few areas visible from the road that make it clear the burn was too much for nature to overcome but overall new growth is evidence of nature’s power to restore. Aspen tree reproduction has actually increased. Some of the grasses that elk eat became more nutritious, and in most of the burned lodgepole pine forests new trees are established and living large.
Some Yellowstone visitors in the first few seasons after the ’88 fires saw only the black and gray of the burned forest areas near the roads, especially driving in from the South Entrance, and thereupon decided not to come back. It is time. Twenty years can change quite a lot. Think back and you may recall the Rubik’s cube, break dancing, big hair rock bands, and “Baby on Board” signs. What you’ll see from the car window in Yellowstone today is well worth the return view, baby on board or not.
Grant Visitor Center is open daily, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., through September. Here you can watch a video about the role of fire in Yellowstone while at the same time realizing twenty summers ago this was the location that was deemed in danger of fire destruction. The Grant Village area was evacuated twice during the summer of 1988.
Yellowstone
Many Yellowstone visitors choose not to stray far from their car or the road. If you really want to experience the park – get out and hike around awhile. Not just for your health, walking provides more opportunities to experience the myriad of thermal features found no place else on Planet Earth.
There are no special commemorative events planned in Yellowstone to mark the 20th anniversary of the fires. That doesn’t mean you can’t find your own way to enjoy Yellowstone and be grateful this very special place is still here for us to savor. Best bets for planning activities, general information, and lodging are: www.travelyellowstone.com & www.nps.gov/yell
Journalist Advisory: Interviews with a number of individuals who were in Yellowstone during the summer of 1988 are possible and encouraged. Our office, along with Yellowstone concessionaire Xanterra Parks & Resorts, would be pleased to assist you in that endeavor whether a chat with the superintendent in 1988 (Bob Barbee – who became the international face of the initial “let it burn” policy) or any of a number of others who can relate many firsthand experiences. Please contact Chuck Coon at: chuck.coon@visitwyo.gov to pursue this course.
Green Wyoming
Wyoming businesses are finding innovative strategies to save energy and minimize their impact on the environment and visitors are becoming increasingly attracted to them. It’s all the rage in the headlines but in Wyoming it is a way of life in our national parks and in small towns like Jackson, Cody and Sheridan.
The National Park System is built upon the preservation of the environment and so it should be expected that they would establish standards by which other tourist-related organizations can measure themselves.
Environmental Action in Yellowstone National Park balances economic viability with ecological responsibility. Xanterra Parks & Resorts, the park’s concessionaire, focuses on reducing and reusing waste, conserving energy and water and educating their guests on environmental stewardship. Sustainable cuisine is another notable mention with the greatest diversified menu being at Lake Yellowstone Hotel. They are the first concessionaire to create a sustainability report and hope to reach their goals by the year 2015. Grand Teton Lodge Company operating in Grand Teton National Park offers a unique green meeting initiative encouraging groups to reduce their impact by rewarding them with a rebate for holding environmentally friendly meetings.
Hotel Terra Jackson Hole is the first in a collection of green hotels launched by the Terra Resort Group. Green practices include Hotel Terra's pending
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)and Zero JH which supports the development of renewable energy sources by offering businesses, individuals and organizations the opportunity to offset their carbon emissions.
Sheridan Inn
The Historic Sheridan Inn opened in May of 1893 in Sheridan, Wyoming welcoming folks arriving by train including high profile citizens such as Buffalo Bill Cody, Ernest Hemmingway, President Hoover and many more. It has not operated as a lodging establishment since the 1960s but will open in the fall of 2008 as a "green hotel" catering to tourists who want the experience of staying in a building with deep roots in the past. The Inn's "green" work includes adapting the historic building to capture solar energy for heating and cooling and using recycled building materials.
The Cody Hotel which just opened in May of 2008 in Cody, Wyoming is another hotel vying for a LEED certification. Examples of sustainable features include products purchased through LEED certified manufacturers, biodegradable paper products, energy efficient appliances and lighting and recycled materials. Dude and Guest Ranches across Wyoming are offering environmentally friendly soaps and cleaning products while others are looking at ways to conserve energy using wind power and burning alternative fuels.
What it means to be LEED-The LEED Green Building Rating System was developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) and is the nationally accepted standard for green buildings. LEED provides innovative strategies for sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. These efforts are designed to promote both minimal environmental impact and the health and well being of the inhabitants.
Tramformation
Old Tram
If you are one of millions that fell in love with the red tram that took millions of skiers and snowboarders to the top of Rendezvous Mountain at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, then you’re in luck! The countdown has officially started. Larger and faster, "The Big One" is back, December 2008. Fans can watch the progress while long time residents, staff and patrons share their excitement through words, images, and video capturing the enormity of the project. Tramformation.com was launched in March, 2008 and its contents include the incredible construction project documented by award winning film maker Peter Pilafian which showcases the amazing people behind the machine and the incredible resort that houses the story. Visitors can follow the progress in Tram Diaries providing a behind-the-scenes look at each construction phase.
In the early 1960's visionary Paul McCollister laid eyes on the rugged peaks of the Tetons and began to imagine the possibilities these mountains held. His vision turned into a reality that would revolutionize North American skiing. Rising 4,139 vertical feet off the valley floor, the Jackson Hole aerial tram brought access to unparalleled terrain and a skiing experience unlike any other.
New Tram
The new aerial tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort will be twice the size of the original, carrying 100 passengers, have modern, sleek cabins, a visually inspiring base terminal, plus be faster, more efficient and tougher than its predecessor.
As well as the journey, it is the destination that captures the spirit of the Jackson Hole tram. Soaring 4,139 vertical feet in 9 minutes is unrivaled in the ski industry, cresting the Tetons with an endless choice of mind-blowing ski routes below, not to mention incredible 360 views, and only a few fellow disciples to nod at before you choose your line. It is unlike any other experience.
Tramformation.com is not just for skiers and snowboarders, it is a MUST see for every mountain lover, engineer, adventurer and appreciator of Mother Nature at its finest.
Rodeo Drives Wyoming
Jhett Johnson horse trailer
The horse trailers started to roll Memorial Day weekend and the wheels will be covering thousands of miles across Wyoming and the West the rest of the summer rodeo season. One of those trailers is like no other. It has pictures of pro rodeo team roper Jhett Johnson adorning the exterior along with beautiful Wyoming scenery as his backdrop.
Jhett Johnson
Jhett is the most visible of several professional rodeo stars that call Wyoming home and wear the state’s logo on their shirts. Often referred to as “The Cowboy State,” Wyoming and its legislature have proclaimed rodeo the official sport. A sponsorship program developed by the state tourism office allows the “brand” to be carried by those most adherent to it. Watch for the Wyoming rodeo team either live or on television this summer. Each member competed at the national finals in Las Vegas last December and hopes to repeat this year. One is the reigning national champion of his event:
Jason Miller
Jason Miller – world champion steer wrestler. There aren’t any stoplights in his hometown of Lance Creek, Wyoming and Miller doesn’t own a television. He prefers to read and keeps busy working cattle on the family ranch. He won the gold buckle in Vegas tossing ten steers over ten consecutive nights in an average time of just over four seconds apiece. The mild-mannered Miller is a big man whose quiet confidence makes him one of the most popular cowboys on the pro rodeo circuit. Jason has already set one arena record this year throwing a steer in under three seconds at Guymon, Oklahoma. Go ahead and count it out…one one thousand two one thousand three one thousand. Imagine coming out astride your horse, zeroing in on a running steer, sliding downward off the saddle, dropping on the steer, grabbing its horns, grinding it to a semi-halt with your heels, and turning that 500-pounds sideways to the dirt…in three seconds. It would take some practice. Some of us have trouble getting the cell phone answered that quickly.
Brandie Halls is a veteran barrel racer and horse trainer. She can be counted on to make another good showing this year. Brandie is always the hometown favorite at the big Cheyenne Frontier Days celebration. (July 18-27; www.cfdrodeo.com)
Jeremy Sparks
Another Cheyenne stand-out is bullfighter Jeremy Sparks. He’ll be sporting “Wyoming” on his britches and elsewhere as the lanky U.S. Air Force Captain deftly keeps bull riders safe upon dismount. Sparks, the only full-time military officer in the pro rodeo ranks, is also fighting bulls in Cody this July and several weekends at the summer-long Cowtown event in New Jersey. It’s been a difficult May for Captain Sparks. Complications from kidney stones put him in intensive care at the Cheyenne Regional Medical Center. But June is looking much better. Sparks, who teaches ROTC at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, will handle the bullfighting chores at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, WY. (June 15-21; www.casperwyoming.info) After Casper and before Cody, Captain Sparks will be marrying his college sweetheart at a family ceremony in Yellowstone National Park.
Wyoming’s bull boys are Bobby Welsh and Kanin Asay. The young bull riders are lean, agile, and extremely talented. Both compete in the X-Treme
Bulls Tourseen on ESPN. The tour stops in Cody, Wyoming on July 5.
Pro rodeo bull riding is one of the most exciting events, and truly dangerous, in all sports. These two men are among the best in the world.
Wyoming saddle bronc rider Chet Johnson is proving he belongs with the elite competitors in his event as well. Johnson equaled the legendary rider Billy Etbauer to win at Guymon Pioneer Days in Oklahoma early last month. Chet and Billy were each on top of bucking horses owned by Powder River Rodeo Company of Riverton, Wyoming.
Susan Kanode
Powder River is proud to also own a reigning “bucking horse of the year” – Miss Congeniality. You can follow her along the pro rodeo road this year via the inspired blogging of rodeo media guru Susan Kanode. Check rodeo from the horse’s perspective at: www.wyomingtourism.org and click on Susan who is shown on the homepage prone astride a steed. Right next to Susan you can click on bullfighter Jeremy Sparks to follow his exploits throughout the year.
Journalist Advisory – Interviews with any of the Wyoming Rodeo Team members can be arranged easily. Contact Chuck Coon at: chuck.coon@visitwyo.gov
Jackson's Town Square is in the heart of one Wyoming's best-known towns. Snow King, with a 1,571-foot vertical, is just a few blocks from the center of town. When I ski at Snow King, I am sharing trails with locals. Little wonder. Instead of hanging out at a non-existent mall, kids grow up skiing there after school. Supporting “the King” doesn't cost much. Because residents can buy a $99 adult season pass, even big-mountain riders often also purchase a Snow King pass for mid-day ski breaks. read more
Wyoming is Forever West. The very mention of the the word Wyoming evokes the essence of the American West. Wyoming is all that innumerable movies, novels and legends have tried to capture. This Western Spirit thrives to this day in the Cowboy State. read more
