National Register Listing

Pathfinder Dam Historic District

a.k.a. 48NA211 (Pathfinder Dam)

12 mi. SW. of Alcova, Alcova, WY
Local significance of the district:
Engineering; Agriculture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2015.

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.
Wyoming random facts
Natrona County, Wyoming has a rich and fascinating history that begins with the Indigenous peoples who inhabited this region for thousands of years. The area was home to several tribes, including the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Shoshone, who utilized the natural resources and abundant wildlife for their sustenance.

In the mid-1800s, the Oregon Trail brought an influx of settlers through the region, and soon, the discovery of gold in the nearby South Pass area sparked the first major wave of non-Indigenous settlement. This led to the establishment of Fort Caspar in 1859, which provided protection for travelers and became a significant trading post.

The discovery of vast oil reserves in the early 20th century had a transformative effect on Natrona County. The region experienced a significant population boom, with workers and investors flocking to the area to capitalize on the oil industry. As a result, Casper, the county seat, grew rapidly and became a vital center for oil production, refining, and distribution.

Throughout the 20th century, Natrona County underwent several transformations and faced various challenges. The county played a crucial role in World War II, hosting the Amoco Oil Refinery, which produced vast amounts of fuel for the war effort. Additionally, it became an essential training ground for US military pilots during this time.

Today, Natrona County is renowned for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and continued ties to the energy industry. The area is home to iconic landmarks such as Casper Mountain, Alcova Reservoir, and the North Platte River, attracting tourists and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. While the energy industry still plays a significant role in the local economy, the county has diversified and now encompasses healthcare, education, and tourism as essential sectors.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Natrona County, Wyoming.

  • 1886 - The first settlers establish a community in what is now Natrona County.
  • 1890 - Natrona County is officially organized and becomes a separate county in the state of Wyoming.
  • 1892 - Casper, the county seat of Natrona County, is incorporated as a city.
  • 1912 - The discovery of oil in the Salt Creek Oil Field leads to a major boom in the county's economy.
  • 1927 - The opening of the Midwest Refinery in Natrona County helps further boost the oil industry in the area.
  • 1955 - The Interstate Highway System brings improved transportation infrastructure to Natrona County.
  • 1972 - The Teapot Dome scandal, one of the biggest political scandals in U.S. history, is linked to Natrona County and its oil reserves.
  • 1999 - The recognition of Casper Mountain as a recreational area and the development of tourism become important aspects of the county's economy.
  • 2010 - Natrona County celebrates its 120th anniversary since its official organization as a county.