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62-523: When the Larsens moved to Driggs, Idaho where LeGrande began his practice as a physician, they discovered an old melodrama theater, "Pierre's Playhouse", in nearby Victor, Idaho . After moving to Logan, Utah in 1976, the Larsens built their own melodrama theater. The Pickleville Playhouse was named for the town in which it once resided, Pickelville . Shortly after the construction of the Playhouse,

124-467: A council, Colter was told to leave and encouraged to run. It soon became apparent that he was running for his life pursued by a group of Indians. A fast runner, after several miles the naked Colter was exhausted and bleeding from his nose but far ahead of most of the group with only one assailant still close to him. He then managed to overcome the lone man: Again he turned his head, and saw the savage not twenty yards from him. Determined if possible to avoid

186-526: A descendant of Don Carlos Driggs, later became the mayor of Phoenix, Arizona in the 1970s. In 2007, National Geographic magazine listed Driggs as one of the 10 best outdoor recreation destinations in the U.S. The Wall Street Journal posited in 2023 that with the expansion of the Grand Targhee Resort 12 miles away in Alta, Wyoming that Driggs could become the next Jackson Hole (much to

248-519: A gymnastics gym. The public schools of Teton County are operated by Teton School District #401 , headquartered in Driggs. The county's only traditional high school ( Teton High School ), middle school and upper elementary school are in Driggs. College of Eastern Idaho includes this county in its catchment zone; however this county is not in its taxation zone. John Colter John Colter (c.1770–1775 – May 7, 1812 or November 22, 1813)

310-483: A hunting trip to Clark's Fork Canyon as a boy and was informed that his stepfather had made camp in this exact spot while trapping with Colter many years earlier. Fleming reportedly remembered and passed on this detail as his stepfather asserted that during winter of 1806–1807, Colter had grown restless with taking shelter and ascended the canyon into the Sunlight Basin of modern-day Wyoming, which would make him

372-621: A member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804–06). It later became known as Pierre's Hole , in honor of "le grand Pierre" Tivanitagon, and hosted the well-attended 1832 Rendezvous , which was followed by the Battle of Pierre's Hole . Driggs was founded in 1888 by Benjamin Woodbury Driggs, Jr. and Don Carlos Driggs, whose descendants later moved to Arizona (where most live still), and there founded Western Savings and Loan . John Driggs,

434-475: A region inhabited by the friendlier Crows . The dangers of the narrow and rapid Yellowstone River and the absence of game may explain the quick dissolution of the trapping party. After reaching a point where the Gallatin , Jefferson and Madison Rivers meet, known today as Three Forks, Montana , the trio managed to maintain their partnership for only about two months. There is much speculation as to where

496-488: A retelling by Washington Irving . The stereotypes of reclusive frontier mountain men may be thanks to Nicholas Biddle's written characterizations of Colter, which paint him a man easily beguiled by the trapping prospects of the wilderness and intimidated by the possibility of returning to regular society. Because no written materials attributed to Colter have ever been discovered (besides his signature,) Biddle's characterizations cannot be directly contested. Traditionally, it

558-558: A roadside pulloff on U.S. Route 340 just east of Stuarts Draft, near his birthplace. When the road was widened in 1998, the plaque was moved just north of the intersection of 340 and Route 608. A Kentucky historical marker commemorating Colter as one of the Lewis and Clark Expedition's "nine young men from Kentucky" is located in Maysville, Kentucky . Sometime between 1931 and 1933, an Idaho farmer named William Beard and his son discovered

620-526: A rock carved into the shape of a man's head while clearing a field in Tetonia, Idaho , which is immediately west of the Teton Range. The rhyolite lava rock is 13 inches (330 mm) long, 8 inches (200 mm) wide and 4 inches (100 mm) thick and has the words "John Colter" carved on the right side of the face and the number "1808" on the left side and has been dubbed the "Colter Stone". The stone

682-468: A two-year supply of ammunition, and numerous other small tools gifted to them by the expedition such as knives, rope, hatchets, and personal utensils. The route of the trapping party is not known. It is speculated that unfriendly Blackfeet in the region of the Lower Missouri and a lack of horses forced the company to seek their fortunes in the tributaries of the less-prosperous Yellowstone Valley,

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744-423: A woman named Sallie and purchased a farm near Miller's Landing, Missouri , now New Haven, Missouri. Around 1810, he visited with William Clark and provided detailed reports of his explorations since they had last met. From this information, Clark created a map which, despite its previously mentioned discrepancies, was the most comprehensive map produced of the region of the explorations for the next 75 years. During

806-585: Is commonly believed that Colter's Hell referred to the region of the Stinking Water, now known as the Shoshone River , particularly the section running through Cody. The river's original title was thanks to presence of sulphur in the surrounding area. His detailed exploration of this region is the first by a white man of what later became the state of Wyoming. It is not known if Colter produced his own crude map that informed Clark's version or if

868-533: Is likely that Colter never saw Clark's full field maps, as another major discrepancy places Colter's starting point at the midsection of Pryor Creek, as opposed to only geographically likely departing point at the mouth of the Big Horn River. The inaccuracies that plague the 1814 map's details of the area between Manuel's Fort on the Yellowstone and the likely location of Colter's Hell have fueled much of

930-682: Is thought that Lewis and Clark's Expedition played a major role in heightening tensions between white explorers and the Blackfeet Indians. Despite this notion, Manuel Lisa's party originally interacted peacefully with the Blackfeet. However, it was after Colter and Potts were forced to battle the Blackfeet alongside the Flatheads and Crows that the relations between white explorers/trappers and the Blackfeet nation seemed to deteriorate. This led Major Biddle and many other frontiersman to draw

992-637: Is unknown whether Colter was literate or knew how to write. Two signatures possessed by the Missouri State Historical Society assert that the proper spelling of the family name was "Colter" and that Colter was at least able to write his own name. Sometime around 1780, the Colter family moved west and settled near present-day Maysville, Kentucky . As a young man Colter may have served as a ranger under Simon Kenton . John Colter, along with George Shannon and Patrick Gass , joined

1054-678: The Jackson , WY -ID Micropolitan Statistical Area , it is located in Teton Valley , the headwaters of the Teton River . The population was 1,660 at the 2010 census , up from 1,100 in 2000. Located within city limits is the Driggs-Reed Memorial Airport , a class II airport that can accommodate private aircraft on its 7,300-foot (2,225 m) runway. The Teton Valley was discovered by John Colter in 1808,

1116-556: The Jefferson River , Potts and Colter encountered several hundred Blackfeet who demanded they come ashore. Colter went ashore and was disarmed and stripped naked. When Potts refused to come ashore, he was shot and wounded. Potts then shot one of the Indian warriors and was instantly pierced with arrows so numerous, that, to use the language of Colter, "he was made a riddle of." His body was brought ashore and hacked to pieces. After

1178-591: The Mississippi River in November and in December established its 1803-1804 winter camp at Wood River, north of St. Louis . While Lewis and Clark were away from camp making preparations, Colter and three other recruits disobeyed Lewis’ orders, leaving the camp to go to a whiskey shop. Upon his return, Lewis disciplined Colter and the others with ten days’ confinement to quarters. Soon thereafter, Colter

1240-605: The War of 1812 , Colter enlisted and fought with Nathan Boone 's Rangers . Sources are unclear about when Colter died or the cause of death. One report states that after suddenly turning ill, Colter died of jaundice on May 7, 1812, and was buried near Miller's Landing. Other sources indicate he died on November 22, 1813. Colter's legacy has had a profound impact on the image of the American West and frontier, with Colter's Run seeing many incarnations and recreations, including

1302-515: The census of 2010, there were 1,660 people, 587 households, and 385 families residing in the village. The population density was 601.4 inhabitants per square mile (232.2/km ). There were 873 housing units at an average density of 316.3 per square mile (122.1/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 73.0% White , 0.5% African American , 0.2% Native American , 0.5% Asian , 0.4% Pacific Islander , 23.5% from other races , and 2.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 31.6% of

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1364-450: The Crow nation. Over the course of the winter, he explored the region that later became Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks . Colter reportedly visited at least one geyser basin, though it is now believed that he most likely was near present-day Cody, Wyoming , which at that time may have had some geothermal activity to the immediate west. Colter probably passed along portions of

1426-413: The Playhouse performed its first melodrama, "The Faithful Footman". It performs two shows each summer, one melodrama, and one Broadway show. 41°54′34″N 111°23′23″W  /  41.90944°N 111.38972°W  / 41.90944; -111.38972 Driggs, Idaho Driggs is a city in the western United States in eastern Idaho , and is the county seat of Teton County . Part of

1488-408: The average family size was 3.44. The population is spread over various age categories, with 30.5% under the age of 18, 10.8% from 18 to 24, 34.6% from 25 to 44, 15.9% from 45 to 64, and 8.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females, there were 112.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 114.3 males. The median income for a household in

1550-553: The banner of "Pickleville On Tour" The Larsens transferred ownership of the theater and its operations to their youngest child (and only daughter), Andrea Larsen Davis. After a childhood spent at the theater and years of study, Andrea's oldest son, TJ Davis, joined her as a full-time partner and writer for the Playhouse. TJ now writes both scripts and scores for both the summer melodramas and the annual Christmas shows. Younger brother Derek has written some recent summer productions. The Playhouse has gained notability in recent years for

1612-738: The camp during points of illness and recuperation, showing Lewis and Clark's confidence in him. Another major contribution Colter made to the Corps of Discovery was providing the expedition with the means to swiftly descend the Bitterroot Mountains, allowing access to the Snake River , Columbia River , and subsequently the Pacific Ocean. While hunting far ahead of the main party, Colter encountered three Tushepawe Flatheads. Through non-verbal peace symbols and communication, Colter

1674-464: The city was $ 33,750, and the median income for a family was $ 40,469. Males had a median income of $ 30,703 versus $ 19,722 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 14,710. About 7.0% of families and 11.2% of the population were below the poverty line , including 6.8% of those under age 18 and 11.6% of those age 65 or over. Sites and events in Driggs include: Recreation centers include Driggs Community Center, and an indoor climbing gym, plus

1736-415: The city. The population density was 1,054.5 inhabitants per square mile (407.1/km ). There were 449 housing units at an average density of 430.4 per square mile (166.2/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 83.73% White , 0.09% African American , 0.73% Native American , 0.73% Pacific Islander , 13.64% from other races , and 1.09% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 20.55% of

1798-629: The conclusion that Colter had actually upset relations with the Blackfeet, which was only expounded upon by the notoriety of Colter's Run. Numerous locations in northwestern Wyoming have been named after him, notably Colter Bay on Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park and Colter Peak in the Absaroka Mountains in Yellowstone National Park. A plaque commemorating Colter was displayed at

1860-402: The construction of another fort located at Three Forks, Montana . After returning from gathering fur pelts, he discovered that two of his partners had been killed by the Blackfeet. This event convinced Colter to leave the wilderness for good, and he returned to St. Louis before the end of 1810. He had been away from civilization for almost six years. After returning to St. Louis, Colter married

1922-672: The creation of a character, Juanito Bandito, an "unabashed, Spanglish -speaking, likeable crook". Both created and played by T.J. Davis, the self-proclaimed "baddest Spanish villain in history" appeared first in "Chuck Wagon's Wild West Showdown" in the summer of 2008 at the Pickleville Playhouse. The character became the subject of the next seven consecutive summers' shows including: "The Hanging of El Bandito" (2009), "Bandito Rides Again" (2010), and "Who Shot Juanito Bandito?" (2011), "Ready, Fire, Aim starring Juanito Bandito" all of which were written by T.J. Davis. In August 1977,

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1984-509: The details of Colter's Route that were published in 1814. Several unexplained geographical discrepancies were printed on the 1814 map, including the Big Horn Mountains and basin being drawn about two times too large, an error believed to be Clark's. The nature behind these discrepancies eludes historians, as Clark had not only his own personal information of the region but information from George Drouillard and John Colter as well. It

2046-531: The details were simply dictated to Clark by Colter following his return to St. Louis after a six-year absence. Colter's Route was included in a version of Clark's map, titled "A Map of Lewis and Clark's Track Across the Western Portion of North America from the Mississippi to the Pacific Ocean," which was published in 1814. Clark's original field sketches, drawn on numerous separate sheets that traced

2108-604: The dismay of many of its residents). According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total land area of 2.76 square miles (7.15 km ). This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Driggs has a humid continental climate , abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps. As of

2170-531: The earth, and then continued his flight. Colter took a blanket from the Indian he had killed. Continuing his run with a pack of Indians following, he reached the Madison River , five miles (8.0 km) from his start, and hiding inside a beaver lodge , escaped capture. Emerging at night he climbed and walked for eleven days to a trader's fort on the Little Big Horn. In 1810, Colter assisted in

2232-415: The expected blow, he suddenly stopped, turned round, and spread out his arms. The Native American, surprised by the suddenness of the action, and perhaps at the bloody appearance of Colter, also attempted to stop; but exhausted with running, he fell whilst endeavouring to throw his spear, which stuck in the ground, and broke in his hand. Colter instantly snatched up the pointed part, with which he pinned him to

2294-486: The expedition while Lewis was waiting for the completion of their vessels in Pittsburgh and nearby Elizabeth, Pennsylvania . The outdoor skills he had developed from this frontier lifestyle impressed Meriwether Lewis , and on October 15, 1803, Lewis offered Colter the rank of private and a pay of five dollars per month when he was recruited to join what became the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The expedition arrived at

2356-683: The first known white man to have ever entered this region. Colter headed back toward civilization in 1807 and was near the mouth of the Platte River when he encountered Manuel Lisa , a founder of the Missouri Fur Trading Company, who was leading a party that included several former members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, towards the Rocky Mountains. Among the band were George Drouillard , John Potts , and Peter Weiser . Colter once again decided to return to

2418-450: The flows of principal rivers as opposed to traditional rectangular or square maps, were shown to President Jefferson in 1807 and did not include Colter's Route, as he was still traveling at the time. A version of these original field maps was produced in 1810 by Clark and Nicholas Biddle so that inaccurate recordings of latitude and longitude could be corrected by astronomer and mathematician Ferdinand Hassler . This 1810 manuscript provided

2480-680: The old Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City which was undergoing renovation at the time. Because the Larsens weren't allowed to collect the seats until the workers at the Capitol had gone home, the family drove two hours in the middle of the night to the theater in Salt Lake, loaded up as many chairs as would fit in a truck, returned to Bear Lake, and repeated the process until all 320 chairs were moved. The seats are still in use today. The family built by day and rehearsed on stage at night. There

2542-410: The party, at that point only consisting of Colter and Hancock following a falling out with Dixon, spent the winter of 1806–1807. However, Wyoming historian J.K. Rollinson asserts in a personal letter that he had met the stepson of one of Colter's companions, mostly likely Hancock's as Dixon is known to have left the region for Wisconsin in 1827. This stepson, Dave Fleming, accompanied his stepfather on

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2604-406: The population. There were 386 households, out of which 38.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.6% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.5% were non-families. 23.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.83 and

2666-445: The population. There were 587 households, of which 40.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.6% were married couples living together, 9.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.4% were non-families. 22.5% of all of the households were made up of individuals, and 5.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size

2728-407: The recovered resources and horses but also retrieved deer to gift the hospitable Nez Perce tribes and strengthen sick corp members. Colter was noted by Lewis for his ability to barter with various tribes, an attribute which may have led to his later role with Manuel Lisa . Colter never appeared on sick lists, suggesting very advantageous health. He was often one of the few hunters allowed to leave

2790-421: The scholarly disagreements surrounding Colter's Route. The following year, Colter teamed up with John Potts , another former member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, once again in the region near Three Forks, Montana. In 1808, Colter and Potts set out from Fort Raymond to negotiate trade agreements with local nations. While leading a group of 800 Flathead and Crow Indians back to the trading fort, Colter's party

2852-798: The shores of Jackson Lake after crossing the Continental Divide near Togwotee Pass or more likely, Union Pass in the northern Wind River Range . Colter then explored Jackson Hole below the Teton Range, later crossing Teton Pass into Pierre's Hole , known today as the Teton Basin in the state of Idaho . After heading north and then east, he is believed to have encountered Yellowstone Lake , another location in which he had seen geysers and other geothermal features. Colter then proceeded back to Fort Raymond, arriving in March or April 1808. Not only had Colter traveled hundreds of miles, much of

2914-429: The stone has not been fully authenticated to have been carved by Colter. If the stone is an actual carving made by Colter, in the year inscribed, it would coincide with the period he is known to have been in the region, and that he did cross the Teton Range and descend into Idaho, as descriptions he dictated to William Clark indicate. Another possible artifact of Colter's was discovered within Yellowstone National Park in

2976-465: The time unguided, he did so in the dead of winter, in a region in which nighttime temperatures in January are routinely −30 °F (−34 °C). Colter arrived back at Fort Raymond, and few believed his reports of geysers, bubbling mudpots and steaming pools of water. His reports of these features were often ridiculed at first, and the region was somewhat jokingly referred to as " Colter's Hell ". It

3038-469: The town Pickelville was annexed as part of Garden City. Playhouse construction began in June 1977. Despite never having constructed a large building before, LeGrande and Betty Larsen, with the help of their six sons and one daughter, acquired as much help as they could from experts and did the rest on their own. They peeled white pine logs by hand and mixed concrete in wheelbarrows. The seats were brought from

3100-460: The two trappers back to the region they had explored. Upon his discharge, Colter had earned payment for 35 months and 26 days, totaling $ 179.33 1/3rd dollars. However, a discrepancy in the books provided Colter with payment for the two months he had skipped to accompany Hancock and Dickson trapping. This over-payment may have been justified by Colter's significant work ethic and personal praise by Thomas Jefferson himself. In 1807, Colter's settlement

3162-480: The wilderness and is widely considered to be the first known mountain man . John Colter was born in Stuarts Draft , Colony of Virginia in 1774, based on assumptions by his family. There is some debate as to which variation of the family name, Coalter, Coulter, or Colter, is correct, and the issue was further convoluted by William Clark utilizing all three spelling variations during his daily journals. It

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3224-519: The wilderness, even though he was only a week from reaching St. Louis. At the confluence of the Yellowstone and Bighorn Rivers , Colter helped build Fort Raymond and was later sent by Lisa to search out the Crow Indian tribe to investigate the opportunities of establishing trade with them. Colter left Fort Raymond in October 1807 and traveled over 500 miles (800 km) to establish trade with

3286-435: Was court-martialed after threatening to shoot sergeant John Ordway . After a review of the situation, Colter was reinstated after he offered an apology and promised to reform. Colter was considered to be one of the best hunters in the group and was routinely sent out alone to scout the surrounding countryside for game meat . Colter was often trusted with responsibilities that went beyond hunting and woodsman activities. He

3348-431: Was 2.82 and the average family size was 3.40. The median age in the city was 30.6 years. 29.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 33.9% were from 25 to 44; 20.5% were from 45 to 64; and 7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.4% male and 48.6% female. As of the census of 2000, there were 1,100 people, 386 households, and 252 families residing in

3410-473: Was a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804–1806). Though party to one of the more famous expeditions in history, Colter is best remembered for explorations he made during the winter of 1807–1808, when he became the first known person of European descent to enter the region which later became Yellowstone National Park and to see the Teton Mountain Range . Colter spent months alone in

3472-465: Was able to persuade the Flatheads to abandon their search for two Shoshones who had stolen 23 head of horses and accompany him to the expedition's camp. One of the young Flatheads agreed to act as the party's guide down the mountains and through Flathead country, a great advantage in challenging and unfamiliar terrain plagued by a scarcity of game. Once at the mouth of the Columbia River, Colter

3534-694: Was among a small group selected to venture to the shores of the Pacific Ocean, as well as explore the seacoast north of the Columbia into present-day Washington state. After traveling thousands of miles, in 1806 the expedition returned to the Mandan villages in present-day North Dakota . There, they encountered Forrest Hancock and Joseph Dickson, two frontiersmen who were headed into the upper Missouri River country in search of beaver furs . On August 13, 1806, Lewis and Clark permitted Colter to be honorably discharged almost two months early so that he could lead

3596-463: Was attacked by over 1,500 Blackfeet. The Flatheads and Crows managed to force the Blackfeet into retreat, but Colter suffered a leg wound from either a bullet or arrow. This wound was not serious as Colter quickly recuperated and left Fort Raymond with Potts once more the following year. In 1809, another altercation with the Blackfeet resulted in Potts' death and Colter's capture. While going by canoe up

3658-630: Was instrumental in helping the expedition find passes through the Rocky Mountains . In one instance, Colter was handpicked by Clark to deliver a message to Lewis, waylaid at a Shoshone camp, concerning the impracticability of following a route along the Salmon River . In another instance he was charged with retracing a route in the Bitterroot Mountains to recover lost horses and supplies, and not only returned with some of

3720-757: Was no place for the cast and crew to stay, so they spent nights in sleeping bags and tents. The Larsens had to work quickly as they were scheduled to open their first show in August, two-and-a-half months after construction began. Early audiences were meager. As the theater's reputation grew, however, so did the audiences. The Playhouse now performs for sold-out audiences from mid-June to early September with up to 13 shows per week. Pickleville has expanded its repertoire of summer melodramas to include favorite Broadway shows and, in December, takes its cast to Logan and Salt Lake City, Utah, where they perform an original Pickleville Christmas production. Touring shows usually fly under

3782-517: Was reportedly purchased from the Beards in 1933 by A.C. Lyon, who presented it to Grand Teton National Park in 1934. Fritiof Fryxell , noted mountain climber of numerous Teton Range peaks, geologist and Grand Teton National Park naturalist, concluded that the stone had weathering that indicated that the inscriptions were likely made in the year indicated. Fryxell also believed that the Beards were not familiar with John Colter or his explorations. However

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3844-411: Was retracted after Congress passed a mandate supplying all members of the Corps of Discovery with doubled wages and land grants of 320 acres. Lewis personally took responsibility for Colter's reparations, and following Lewis' death and Colter's subsequent return to St. Louis, a court decided Colter was owed an amount of $ 377.60. Colter, Hancock, and Dixon ventured into the wilderness with 20 beaver traps,

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