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The first JCPenney store was opened in Kemmerer, Wyoming in 1902.
About Park County
Park County Timeline
Park County, Wyoming has a rich history that stretches back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shoshone, Arapaho, and Crow, who relied on the abundant wildlife and natural resources of the area for their subsistence. In the early 1800s, European explorers, fur traders, and trappers began to venture into what is now Park County, leaving their mark on its history.
In 1807, John Colter, a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, became the first recorded European to enter the region. However, it was not until the mid-1800s that the area saw significant European settlement. The discovery of gold in Montana and the construction of the Bozeman Trail through Wyoming brought an influx of settlers, leading to conflicts with Native American tribes. The establishment of army forts, such as Fort Phil Kearny and Fort Yellowstone, played a prominent role in the Indian Wars of the late 1800s.
Park County's natural wonders also attracted attention during this time. The establishment of Yellowstone National Park in 1872, which includes a significant portion of Park County, marked the birth of the national park system worldwide. This became a major draw for tourists and ensured the protection and preservation of the area's unique geothermal features and diverse wildlife.
As the 20th century dawned, Park County experienced further development and growth. Agriculture, particularly ranching, became a primary industry, with vast open spaces and rich grazing lands supporting a thriving cattle industry. In the early 1900s, Cody, located in the eastern part of Park County, became a prominent western town and the gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Buffalo Bill Cody, the town's namesake, played a significant role in promoting tourism and establishing Cody as a tourist destination.
Today, Park County continues to be shaped by its natural beauty and historical significance. It remains an important destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The region's cultural heritage is honored through various museums, rodeos, and events that celebrate its Western roots. Park County, WY is a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration, settlement, and preservation that has shaped the American West.
In 1807, John Colter, a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, became the first recorded European to enter the region. However, it was not until the mid-1800s that the area saw significant European settlement. The discovery of gold in Montana and the construction of the Bozeman Trail through Wyoming brought an influx of settlers, leading to conflicts with Native American tribes. The establishment of army forts, such as Fort Phil Kearny and Fort Yellowstone, played a prominent role in the Indian Wars of the late 1800s.
Park County's natural wonders also attracted attention during this time. The establishment of Yellowstone National Park in 1872, which includes a significant portion of Park County, marked the birth of the national park system worldwide. This became a major draw for tourists and ensured the protection and preservation of the area's unique geothermal features and diverse wildlife.
As the 20th century dawned, Park County experienced further development and growth. Agriculture, particularly ranching, became a primary industry, with vast open spaces and rich grazing lands supporting a thriving cattle industry. In the early 1900s, Cody, located in the eastern part of Park County, became a prominent western town and the gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Buffalo Bill Cody, the town's namesake, played a significant role in promoting tourism and establishing Cody as a tourist destination.
Today, Park County continues to be shaped by its natural beauty and historical significance. It remains an important destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The region's cultural heritage is honored through various museums, rodeos, and events that celebrate its Western roots. Park County, WY is a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration, settlement, and preservation that has shaped the American West.
Park County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Park County, Wyoming.
- 1807 - John Colter, a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, becomes the first known European to enter the area that is now Park County.
- 1809 - Manuel Lisa establishes Fort Raymond, one of the first fur trading posts in the region, near present-day Cody.
- 1862 - John Bozeman blazes the Bozeman Trail, opening up a route for settlers and gold miners to travel through Park County.
- 1871 - The Hayden Geological Survey explores and documents the natural wonders of Yellowstone National Park, a portion of which lies within Park County.
- 1872 - Yellowstone National Park becomes the first national park in the United States, attracting tourists and boosting the local economy.
- 1896 - Cody, named after William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody, is founded as a planned town and becomes the county seat of Park County.
- 1912 - The Shoshone Project is completed, bringing irrigation water to the Cody area and promoting agricultural development in Park County.
- 1947 - The Heart Mountain Relocation Center, an internment camp for Japanese Americans during World War II, closes down, impacting the local population.
- 1959 - Construction of the Buffalo Bill Dam is completed, which forms the Buffalo Bill Reservoir and provides water and electricity to the region.
- 1988 - The massive Yellowstone fires ravage parts of Yellowstone National Park, including areas within Park County.
- 2019 - Park County celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years since the first European exploration of the region by John Colter.