Historical Markers in
Carbon County, Wyoming

A Tourist's Railroad A Well Traveled Sawmill Bridge Tender's House Brownsville and Benton Carbon Timber Company Cemetery Civil War Cannons Early Construction Encampment, Wyoming Enlisted Men's Barracks Fenimore Chatterton Fort Fred Steele Fort Fred Steele Fort Fred Steele after 1886 Fort Fred Steele State Historic Site Fort Halleck Fort Steele Schoolhouse George A. Wyman Image of Fort Fred Steele Major General Frederick Steele Major General Philippe Regis de Trobriand Major Thomas Tipton Thornburgh Muddy Gap Officers Who Commanded Fort Fred Steele Officer's Quarters Old Cherokee Trail Old Rock Creek Stage Crossing Overland Trail Overland Trail Owen Wister Powder Magazine Railroad and River Ranching Ranching Central Rawlins Rawlins Paint Mines Rawlins Springs Rock Springs Massacre Saratoga, Carbon County Veterans Memorial Sheep Industry Sheep Ranching Sheepherder's Community Storer - Saratoga Lake Wetland The Great Lincoln Highway... The Overland Stage Station Route The Parco Inn The Passenger's Railroad This January 1880 plan of Fort Fred Steele... This Marker on the Overland Trail Thomas A. Edison Thornburgh's Command Town of Ft. Steele Viewing the Fort Grounds Wagonhound Rest Area Wagonhound Tipi Rings Wild Times In Benton! William Daley Flagpole Wyoming - A Fortress for Wildlife Wyoming State Penitentiary Wyoming Winds
The Oregon Trail, a historic pioneer trail that led to the west coast of the United States, passed through Wyoming. Thousands of settlers used the trail during the mid-1800s.
Wyoming random facts
Carbon County, Wyoming is located in the central part of the state and is known for its rich history and natural resources. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Arapaho, Shoshone, and Cheyenne. The first European explorers arrived in the late 18th century, with fur trappers and traders making their way through the region.

In the mid-19th century, the discovery of gold in the Atlantic City-South Pass area brought an influx of prospectors and miners to Carbon County. The county's name itself is derived from the vast coal deposits found in the region, which became a significant economic resource. The Union Pacific Railroad's expansion in the 1860s further spurred development in the county, as it provided a means to transport coal and other resources.

The town of Rawlins, named after Union Pacific Superintendent General John A. Rawlins, became the county seat in 1868. It quickly developed into a center for the region's coal mining industry. Coal production boomed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, attracting immigrants from various countries to work in the mines. This contributed to the diverse cultural heritage of Carbon County.

In addition to coal, other industries started to develop in Carbon County. Ranching became a vital part of the local economy, as the open plains provided ample grazing land. Additionally, the county's stunning natural landscapes and proximity to outdoor recreational activities, such as hunting and fishing, attracted tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. Today, Carbon County remains an important contributor to the state's energy sector and continues to preserve its unique history and natural resources.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Carbon County, Wyoming.

  • 1868 - Carbon County was established by the territorial legislature of the Wyoming Territory.
  • 1869 - The first white settlement in Carbon County was established at Rawlins Springs.
  • 1870 - Rawlins Springs was renamed Rawlins and became the county seat of Carbon County.
  • 1870s - Coal mining became a significant industry in Carbon County.
  • 1881 - The Union Pacific Railroad reached Carbon County, leading to increased economic growth.
  • 1886 - Carbon County experienced a major coal mining disaster, known as the Hanna Mine Explosion, where over 60 miners lost their lives.
  • 1890 - The population of Carbon County reached its peak with over 12,000 residents.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression greatly impacted the economy of Carbon County, leading to a decline in mining activities.
  • 1950s - The construction of Interstate 80 through the county boosted tourism and transportation in Carbon County.
  • 1980s - Carbon County faced another economic downturn with a decline in coal mining and oil extraction.
  • Present - Carbon County continues to be a significant contributor to Wyoming's energy industry, with ongoing coal and oil production.