When you think of Cheyenne, Wyoming one of the first things that comes to mind is the old west. Indeed, Cheyenne played a large role during the time settlers spread across western America. Of course today Cheyenne means more than westward expansion during the 1800's but there is plenty to see regarding this in present day Cheyenne and it's very well worth the visit.
Cheyenne is located in the southeast corner of Wyoming in Laramie County. Its
said that the town's name was given by Native Americans.
In the instances of Fort Laramie to the north, Laramie City to the west, and Laramie County
it is said that these were named after an early French fur trapper who roamed the region known as Jacques La Ramie.
As a side historical note, Wyoming was the first state to pass women's suffrage. The statue photo further down in this article commemorates this and was gifted to Cheyenne in 2011. The plaque beneath the statue says, "Gifted to the citizens of Cheyenne, WY in recognition of the role of women in settling the west, and Wyoming being the first state to grant women the right to vote."
Cheyenne and the Union Pacific-The Railroad Town
There is no question that the railroad expanding westward after the end of the Civil War created many a town. Cheyenne's first residents were men who moved west to work on the transcontinental railroad. The Union Pacific railroad company dominated the Cheyenne railways throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
The transcontinental railroad marked the first large-scale, federally sanctioned construction in the aftermath of the Civil War. The Union Pacific while building their section of the transcontinental railroad originally built their rails through Cheyenne because it was the easiest terrain to cut through. When the UP did this they brought mechanized travel to the west along with commercial development and settlers. The Union Pacific put Cheyenne on the map and during the 1800's brought thousands of passengers to Cheyenne and beyond. Not that the railroads made stagecoach travel obsolete, because there was a great need to transport people from the railroad depots to smaller settlements and to the mines. In fact, The Cheyenne and Black Hills Stage Company was established to transport passengers and cargo between the railroad depot and the mines. A historic note of significance is that when electric lights were installed in Cheyenne in 1882, it was the wealthiest city per capita in the world. Quite an impressive fact
Old Union Pacific Depot and Museum
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| Cheyenne's Union Pacific Depot |
As a side historical note, Wyoming was the first state to pass women's suffrage. The statue photo further down in this article commemorates this and was gifted to Cheyenne in 2011. The plaque beneath the statue says, "Gifted to the citizens of Cheyenne, WY in recognition of the role of women in settling the west, and Wyoming being the first state to grant women the right to vote."
Cheyenne and the Union Pacific-The Railroad Town
There is no question that the railroad expanding westward after the end of the Civil War created many a town. Cheyenne's first residents were men who moved west to work on the transcontinental railroad. The Union Pacific railroad company dominated the Cheyenne railways throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
The transcontinental railroad marked the first large-scale, federally sanctioned construction in the aftermath of the Civil War. The Union Pacific while building their section of the transcontinental railroad originally built their rails through Cheyenne because it was the easiest terrain to cut through. When the UP did this they brought mechanized travel to the west along with commercial development and settlers. The Union Pacific put Cheyenne on the map and during the 1800's brought thousands of passengers to Cheyenne and beyond. Not that the railroads made stagecoach travel obsolete, because there was a great need to transport people from the railroad depots to smaller settlements and to the mines. In fact, The Cheyenne and Black Hills Stage Company was established to transport passengers and cargo between the railroad depot and the mines. A historic note of significance is that when electric lights were installed in Cheyenne in 1882, it was the wealthiest city per capita in the world. Quite an impressive fact
Cheyenne Depot Museum is located inside the historic Union Pacific Railroad depot. Typically the Cheyenne Depot Museum hosts an annual Steam Train Excursion in July.
Cheyenne Frontier Days
The Cheyenne Frontier Days is considered the world's largest outdoor rodeo and Western Celebration. This has been an event which began in 1897. The first Frontier Days event was held as a cowboy roundup that featured bronco busting, steer roping contests and pony races.
Cheyenne Frontier Days is now a ten day festivalof rip-roarin' excitement, featuring the world's best PRCA rodeo action and Western entertainment. It's non-stop activity and hospitality at its Western best! Cheyenne Frontier Days takes place the last full week of July.
A popular event during the Frontier Days is the Grand Parade. This ninety minute parade is held at 9 a.m. both Saturdays and Tuesday and Thursday of the celebration. This parade is big. There are floats, marching bands, antique carriages, automobiles and horses with riders in period dress.
Touring Old Town Cheyenne is a walk through it's past. Historic buildings include the old Union Pacific Depot and the beautiful Tivoli Building.The Richardson Brothers put up the Tivoli Building in 1892. It was popular with cowboys who came to Cheyenne for Frontier Days. The building was bought in 1919 by a Polish immigrant and served as a clothing store and after that an upscale bar.
Enjoy the Trolley
Take a tour on the Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley. It operates the second week of May through September. The ninety minute tour includes stops at various attractions, allowing riders to disembark for the attraction, and then re-board the next trolley 90 minutes later.
Visit Fort Laramie
Today, Fort Laramie is a National Historic Site. This famous military outpost 100 miles north of Cheyenne played a major role in settling the west. It was a crossroad to the west.
The site was at first a fur trade post and then became a military outpost. Here, for 56 years successive waves of trappers, traders, Native Americans, missionaries, emigrants, soldiers, miners, ranchers and homesteaders interacted and left their mark on a place that would become famous in the history of the American west - Fort Laramie.
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| "A New Beginning" |
Cheyenne Area Outdoor Activities
Curt Gowdy State Park is located 24 miles west of Cheyenne, Wyoming and 24 miles east of Laramie, Wyoming. In addition to camping, boating, fishing, Curt Gowdy State Park has over 35 miles of trails. The trails are very well designed and suitable for any skill level. The trails range in elevation from 6800 to 7600.
The park was established in 1971 by the city of Cheyenne and the Boy Scouts. Originally named Granite State Park, in 1972 the name was changed to the Curt Gowdy State Park. The park is named after sportscaster Curt Gowdy who was a Wyoming native and was raised in Cheyenne.
See additional Western Trips articles found on the links below..
Fun Travel in the Mountain West
Mesa Verde National Park
The Pole Mountain section of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest lies just 30 minutes west of Cheyenne.
Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest covers more than 2.2 million. The Pole Mountain section of this very large national forest is just 30 minutes west of Cheyenne. Before 1959, this 55,000 acre area was operated by the nation's War Department for military training. This area is now managed by the US Forest Service. Plenty of great recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, camping is available. The Tie City and Happy Jack Trailheads provide the most popular starting points for dozens of trails for hikers and bikers of every level of experience. The trailheads are also home to numerous picnic and campground sites.
For up to date information regarding scheduled events and activities in Cheyenne, Wyoming see www.cheyennecity.org
For detailed information about the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, activities, maps and directions see www.fs.usda.gov/mbr
(Article and photos copyright Western Trips)
