National Register Listing

Ten Sleep Mercantile

a.k.a. Ten Sleep Hardware

Second and Pine Sts., Ten Sleep, WY
Local significance of the building:
Commerce

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

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.

Wyoming was the last state in the United States to establish a state lottery, which was approved by voters in 2013.
Wyoming random facts
Washakie County, located in the northwestern region of Wyoming, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Indigenous tribes such as the Shoshone and Crow, who roamed the land, hunting and gathering resources. These tribes had a deep connection to the land and its natural resources, using them for sustenance and trade.

In the 1800s, European settlers began to explore the region, drawn by its vast prairies and fertile soil. The Oregon Trail, a major route for westward migration, passed through Washakie County, bringing a steady stream of pioneers seeking a fresh start. The discovery of gold in the nearby South Pass area in 1867 further fueled the influx of settlers, transforming the county into a mining hub.

The county's name is derived from Chief Washakie, a prominent Shoshone leader who played a significant role in the region's history. Washakie formed strong relationships with the incoming settlers, advocating for peaceful coexistence and negotiation. He was instrumental in securing the Wind River Reservation for his people, which covers parts of Washakie County and is still home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes today.

As the county continued to develop, agriculture became a key industry, with ranching and farming playing a vital role in its economy. The abundance of water from the Wind River and Bighorn River provided irrigation for crops, making Washakie County a productive agricultural region.

Today, Washakie County thrives as a blend of history, natural beauty, and rural living. It preserves its Indigenous roots while embracing the advancements of modern society. The county offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, hiking, and camping, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. With its unique blend of heritage and natural wonders, Washakie County continues to capture the hearts of locals and visitors alike.

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

  • 1884: Washakie County is established with land taken from Big Horn County.
  • 1909: The county seat is designated as Worland.
  • 1942: The Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd Squadron is activated in Worland.
  • 1967: Washakie County Historical Museum is established in Worland.
  • 1978: The Worland Municipal Airport is opened.
  • 1990: The population of Washakie County reaches its peak at over 10,000 residents.
  • 2010: The total population of the county is recorded at approximately 8,500 people.