Dubois, looking west, 1933.
As previously indicated, the initial economy of Dubois was dependent upon stockgrowing and then later on
timbering. With the end of timbering in 1987, jobs were lost and the population actually declined from its
peak in 1980 of over 1,000 to less than 900 in 1990. Indeed, in one sermon, the rector of St. Thomas, The Rev.
Lynn E. Cunningham, lamented the hardships that had
been visited upon the town, the Outlaw Saloon, and the liquor store:
There are unsettling realities about this town. Dubois in effect makes its living by being a
great place to get away to, particularly for summer residents. But there is precious little
economic base for the town. The town has no economic taproot, as it used to. There is no
longer a lumber mill and industrial logging. The ranching economy is much reduced. Not much
manufacturing goes on here, although Dubois is lucky to be spared the kind of coal and natural
gas boom development that is overwhelming some of our sister towns, such as Pinedale and
Gillette.July 8, 2007
The Reverend Cunningham continued, "A look at the local real estate listings is revealing
of the hard times: most of the major, local, retail buildings are up for sale, including the
Outlaw Saloon, the Merc, Absaroka Western Designs, Daylight Donuts, the Country Store, and
others." He noted his concern over the condition of the Opp Shop and the liquor store.
Outlaw Saloon, 2006.
The loss of population and the town's dependence upon tourism has made
the road over Togwotee pass even more critical. In 1917 Togwotee Pass, elevation 9,658 feet, was first opened
to motorcars. Beginning in 1919 through 1921, the road was rebuilt and graveled in 1922. This brought about
a change over time in the economy of Dubois which gradually changed from stockgrowing, to timber, to tourism as the Pass became one of
the major entrances to the Jackson Hole Valley and to Yellowstone. About 1940, the road was improved so as to be
open in the winter. The road was again inproved in 1950.
Dubois, looking west, approx. 1952.
Even after paving, however, the road remained narrow and subject in some areas to landslides and in the winter to
avalanches. With the change in the economy, some residents find it necessary to travel over the pass twice a day to
Jackson for employment.
Snow may be found as late as June.
Dubois, looking west, approx. 1960
The scenery is beautiful, but there are few pull-overs or lay-bys.
The road is narrow with no sholders. Thus, the road has been ranked by the Wyoming Department
of Transportaion as almost twice as
dangerous as the average road in the state.
Togwotee Pass, approx. 1952.
Discovery of the Pass is attributed to a military geographical survey under the leadership of
William Albert Jones (1841-1914) who was guided through the pass by Shonshoni guide Togwotee ("Lance Thrower")
in 1873. In recognition of Togwotee's service, General Jones named the pass after him.
Togwotee Pass, approx. 1952. Note lack of sholders.
Over the years there has thus been conflict between stockgrowers and conservationists relating
to game. The area is a hapitat for lynx, grizzly, elk, wolf, and coyote. At an early point in time,
the area was actively promoted for hunting by professional guide and writer A. C. Rowell.
Rowell estimated the "best game country in Wyoming is the country on, and adjacent to, the
head waters of the Wind River." Dubois, according to Rowell, was
"literally in the game country."
Rowell continued:
I have stood on the street of Dubois (It has only one about 100 feet long.) and counted four bands of
elk in sight on the hills at one time. Hunter-Trader-Trapper,"Opportunity for Sport in Wyoming," Vol. 29, p. 40 at 42, 1911.
Rowell bragged that he had got a bear or several each season and had "killed eleven bears and saw thousands
of elk, hunded of deer and a good many big horn sheep.
Bear killed by A. C. Rowell, approx. 1911.
Conflict between man and grizzly is continuing. Rowell, himself contended that grizzlies only attacked when provoked or out
of memory of a prior conflict between man and beast. In 1920, one 1,000 lb grizzly named
"Silver Tip" was finally killed after having done
some $50,000 (in 1920 dollars) damages over a five year period.
He was finally trapped after hunters followed a
trail of fifteen dead cattle all with their livers removed. Over the years attacks on
cattle continued. In 1993, the Walton Ranch Co., which customarily grazed in the
Togwotee Pass area lost some 32 head to bear. Over a six year period Walton lost at estimated
108 head. The Waltons moved their grazing to Idaho. Dan Ingalls & Sons also lost cattle.
Grizzlies also attacked man. Several hunters had broken skulls. One lost his jaw. Bicyclists crossing the
pass were attacked and escaped only by the use of pepper spray. The ursine retreated when the bicyclists estimated they only had
one second of spray left. Conflict also existed between the Wyoming Deparment of Transportation and conservationists over the
road. Because of its hazardous nature, the Department began consideration of widening or relocating segments of the
highway in the early 2000's. The project which commenced in 2008 will be the most expensive highway project ever undertaken in
Wyoming.
Dubois, undated
Dubois, bird's eye view, 1960
Music this Page: "Among the Pines."
|
