History of Star Valley: Natural, Cultural, and Economic

Cultural, economic, and natural history, with historical anecdotes about life in Star Valley and 32 pages of color photos. Introduction: Robert Stuart and his returning Astorians made the first substantiated appearance of white men in Star Valley. This occurred on September 15, 1812, and marks the beginning for this history. The initial chapter continues by documenting visits to Star Valley and environs by other fur traders and trappers such as James Bridger, Jedediah Smith, Osborne Russell, and Warren Angus Ferris. The Lander Trail was built through Star Valley in 1857 and 1858. However, immigrants to Star Valley found another route beginning in early June of 1879. It was then that eight wagons carrying twenty-seven Mormons from St. Charles, Idaho, entered Star Valley through Crow Creek Canyon and settled in Freedom-on the Idaho side. Auburn was settled later that summer by related families from Morgan, Utah. These families and others either endured life on the frontier or left for warmer climates. With some direction from LDS leaders, Afton emerged as the principal settlement in Star Valley. This role as a religious, educational, and economic center sometimes brought about resentment-particularly from those living in the Lower Valley. Life in Afton and each of the other communities has been reviewed in chapters 8 and 9. Further chapters examine natural resources exploration, forests, the rise and fall of the dairy industry, and transformation in land use, education, and the economy. The final chapters contain anecdotal narratives and stories about life in Star Valley.