Uinta County Courthouse

Courthouse Sq., Evanston, WY
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

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 first national forest in the United States, the Shoshone National Forest, was established in Wyoming in 1891.
Uinta County is located in the southwestern part of the state of Wyoming in the United States. The region that is now Uinta County was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shoshone and Ute people. The arrival of European settlers in the early 19th century brought significant changes to the area.

In the mid-1800s, the discovery of gold and other valuable minerals attracted miners to Uinta County. This led to the establishment of mining communities such as Evanston and Fort Bridger. The construction of the Union Pacific Railroad in the late 1860s further boosted the county's economy and population.

During the late 19th century, Uinta County experienced a period of growth and development. Agriculture became an important industry, and many ranches were established in the region. The county also benefited from the expansion of the railroad, which facilitated trade and transportation.

In the 20th century, Uinta County continued to thrive. The discovery of oil and natural gas reserves in the area brought a new wave of economic growth. The county's population steadily increased, and new towns and communities were established. Today, Uinta County remains an important hub for agriculture and energy production, and it offers a mix of natural beauty and historical attractions for residents and visitors to enjoy.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Uinta County, Wyoming.

  • 1862: Uinta County is established by the Dakota Legislature as part of the Idaho Territory
  • 1869: The first settlement in Uinta County, Evanston, is established as a railroad town
  • 1875: Uinta County becomes part of the Wyoming Territory
  • 1880: The county experiences a population boom due to coal mining and the railroad
  • 1911: Uinta County loses a portion of its territory to the newly created Lincoln County
  • 1921: The first oil well is drilled in Uinta County, leading to increased economic development
  • 1971: The county seat of Uinta County is moved from Evanston to Kemmerer
  • 1973: The current courthouse in Evanston is completed
  • 1998: Uinta County celebrates its 125th anniversary