A Historic Jackson Hole Engagement: Amber and Sam: Heather Erson Photography

Amber and Sam traveled from Oregon for their engagement portraits at Mormon Row in Grand Teton National Park and the Jackson Hole town square. Sam is the great-great-great-grandson of Nick Wilson, the founder of Wilson, Wyoming.

In 1854 Sam’s great-great-great-grandfather “Uncle Nick” Wilson as a boy of 12 passed through Jackson Hole with the Shoshone Indians. Uncle Nick or “Yagaki”, as he was known to the Indians was adopted by Washakie, Chief of the Shoshone, and lived with them for two years. In later years Uncle Nick rode for the Pony Express and drove for the Overland Stage.

In 1889, Uncle Nick drove the first covered wagons over Teton Pass into Jackson Hole and the town of Wilson still bears his name today. Nick Wilson’s is also the name of a restaurant at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Sam’s family is still part of the Jackson community today. It was an honor to photograph them and learn more about the history of the Jackson Hole area.

Congratulations Amber and Sam!