US News
Published June 8, 2024 at 4:48 am ET
The billionaire owner of the Chicago Cubs is on a mission to rename a small Wyoming town where he plans to build a 56-acre luxury resort amid criticism and anger from locals.
Joe Ricketts, the founder of TD Ameritrade and the patriarch of his family who bought the MLB team in 2009, hopes to trade Bondurant, Wyoming, for Little Jackson Hole.
Ricketts, 82, has recently been working to build a 56-acre luxury resort on his 1,300-acre Jackson Fork Ranch property, according to Cowboy State Daily.
Homestead Resort, the proposed name for Ricketts’ retreat, was described as a “premium resort experience with a mission-driven focus on protecting, preserving and enjoying the natural beauty of the Hoback region,” the newspaper reported.
Joe Ricketts, the founder of TD Ameritrade and the patriarch of his family who bought the MLB team in 2009, hopes to trade Bondurant, Wyoming, for Little Jackson Hole. fake images
During a dinner several years ago, the former stockbroker president presented his idea of renaming the small town Little Jackson Hole as a tribute to Davey Jackson, an American pioneer and explorer with several places in the valley bearing his name.
The seven-course meal at which Ricketts first floated the idea included “goody bags” for all guests.
The billionaire published a study in which he wanted to examine the place name “JacksonLittle Hole” along with other variants, including Little Jackson Hole.
“It was also required to provide authoritative documentation regarding the use of ‘Jackson’s Little Hole’ within the geographic area known today as Bondurant, Wyoming,” the study said.
Bondurant had a population of 152, according to a 2022 census.
US189, Wyoming Centennial Scenic Byway near Bondurant, Wyoming. Alamy Stock Photo Bondurant had a population of 152, according to a 2022 census. Gary L. Hider – stock.adobe.com
The investigation found that Jackson had two favorite hunting spots in the valley: Jackson’s (Big) Hole and Jackson’s Little Hole.
Jackson Hole is known for its unique ski resorts, campgrounds, and picturesque views, bordered by the jagged peaks of the Tetons.
Ricketts believes the name change would make the area more marketable, based on name recognition for those already traveling to the area.
The suggestion angered some citizens of the small town, which is in Sublette County, 40 miles southeast of Grand Teton National Park, who are angered by Rickett’s proposal for a tourist destination in the community.
“About 75% of the people got up and left the dinner at that point,” Pat Burroughs said. “They left the gift bags on the table and just walked away.”
“We are Bondurant,” he said firmly. “This is Upper Hoback.”
Burroughs added that Bondurant’s change could create confusion for delivery services.
“One gentleman even had trouble getting his medication,” the resident fumed. “He kept telling them that he lives in Bondurant, but they were looking for someone in Little Jackson Hole.”
“It’s totally infuriating,” Burroughs said.
John Nakata – stock.adobe.com
Richard Pearson, who claims to be the Hoback Basin Valley’s oldest resident, said the community’s privacy will disappear.
“I hate to see the change this will bring to the privates who live in this valley,” Pearson told the newspaper. “You know, in a few years, once this, once everything gets going, it’s going to be a completely different world.”
Pearson complained that Ricketts had been purchasing several pieces of land to increase his power and get the name changed.
“He’s bought several places around here,” Pearson said. “It’s like cancer. He’s just absorbing everything. Whatever is available, he buys it.”
In addition to his Jackson Fork Ranch property, Ricketts recently purchased White Pine Ski and Summer Resort, a 363-acre resort near Pinedale, 54 miles from Bondurant.
In addition to his Jackson Fork Ranch property, Ricketts recently purchased White Pine Ski and Summer Resort, a 363-acre resort near Pinedale, 54 miles from Bondurant. John Nakata – stock.adobe.com
Last month he closed a deal to buy High Country Suites in Pinedale, according to Cowboy State Daily.
Ricketts had said he wanted to ensure White Pine remained a “strong part of the community and continued the tradition of serving local residents.” the newspaper reported.
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