Carbon Cemetery
a.k.a. 48CR1927
County Road 115, Carbon, WYRecognizing the importance of Carbon Cemetery in the history of Carbon and early Wyoming, this site is nominated to the National Register of Historic Places on the local level. Carbon was the first coal camp to be established in Wyoming, and the cemetery is among the first formal burial grounds established in the state. The town of Carbon grew along with the mines and reached its peak population around 1890. Over the following decade, the mines began to be depleted and the railroad diverted its main line a distance to the north as the Hanna coalfield to the northwest came under production. In 1902, the last of the mines were closed and Carbon was soon reduced to a depopulated ghost town. Many of the town's buildings were moved over the following decades, both to Hanna and area ranches, leaving behind numerous stone foundations and the cemetery.
The cemetery is the most intact surviving feature of the formerly bustling community and is nominated with clear, justifiable boundaries and owner consent (no consent has been provided for the townsite). Because the cemetery remained in use throughout the early decades of the 20" century by persons associated with the former mining town, the site's period of significance extends from 1868 to 1940. The site has changed little since the period of significance ended, and exhibits a high level of integrity, as discussed on the previous page.
Local significance of the site:
The cemetery is the most intact surviving feature of the formerly bustling community and is nominated with clear, justifiable boundaries and owner consent (no consent has been provided for the townsite). Because the cemetery remained in use throughout the early decades of the 20" century by persons associated with the former mining town, the site's period of significance extends from 1868 to 1940. The site has changed little since the period of significance ended, and exhibits a high level of integrity, as discussed on the previous page.
Exploration/settlement
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2011.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The town of Jackson, Wyoming is known as the "Gateway to Yellowstone" and is a popular tourist destination.
About Carbon County
Carbon County Timeline
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.
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.
Carbon County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.