Geraldine Lucas Homestead–Fabian Place Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Lucas, Geraldine Homestead–Fabian Place Historic District
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 Location in Wyoming
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Moose, Wyoming |
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| Built | 1938 |
| MPS | Grand Teton National Park MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 98001034 |
| Added to NRHP | August 24, 1998 |
The Geraldine Lucas–Fabian Place Historic District is a special place in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. It was the home of Geraldine Lucas, a brave woman who settled here in 1913. She was one of the first single women to build a home in this wild area. Later, the property belonged to Harold Fabian. He was important because he helped buy land for what became Grand Teton National Park.
This historic district includes eleven buildings. It is located about 4.5 miles (7.2 km) north of Moose, Wyoming. The place sits at the base of the amazing Teton Range mountains. From here, you can see beautiful views of the Cathedral Group peaks.
The Story of Geraldine Lucas
Geraldine Lucas was born in 1866 in Iowa City, Iowa. She went to Oberlin College and became a teacher in New York. In 1912, she decided to retire and find a new home. She joined her brothers and sister in Jackson Hole. In 1913, she built her own cabin there.
Geraldine worked hard to claim her homestead land. After some challenges, her claim was approved in 1922. Over time, she expanded her property to 428 acres (1.7 square kilometers). She was also an amazing climber. In 1924, at age 58, she became the second woman to climb Grand Teton. A 16-year-old guide named Paul Petzoldt helped her reach the top.
Land for Grand Teton National Park
During her life, Geraldine Lucas did not want the Snake River Land Company to buy her land. This company was buying land in Jackson Hole for John D. Rockefeller, Jr.. He planned to donate the land to create what would become Grand Teton National Park. Geraldine's property was very important to the company's plans.
After Geraldine passed away, J.D. Kimmell bought the land. He thought about dividing it up for development. However, he was friends with Harold Fabian from the Snake River Land Company. In 1944, Kimmell sold the property to the Jackson Hole Preserve. This was a group that helped create the park. Harold Fabian and his family moved into the Lucas place in 1946. They spent their summers there until Harold's death in 1975. This was part of an agreement with the National Park Service.
The Park's Future Plans
After the National Park Service took over the property, it remained empty for some time. In 2016, a report suggested that the buildings should be fixed up. The idea is to make it a place where visitors can come and learn about the area's history. There would be signs to explain everything.
The Geraldine Lucas–Fabian Place was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 24, 1998. This means it is recognized as an important historic site.
