Lower Shell School House
a.k.a. Shell Valley Old Stone School House
U.S. 14, Greybull, WYThe Lower Shell Valley Stone School House is an outstanding representative example of the vanishing one-room schoolhouse and embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type of construction employed by pioneer masons utilizing indigenous building materials. In addition, the use of the schoolhouse as a community meeting place for 70 years and as a center for education for nearly fifty years associates the building with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of Wyoming's educational and social /humanitarian history and development. Not only does the building retain its integrity, but the landscape also has unimpaired visual integrity so the historic ecological relationships remain unaltered. The Lower Shell Valley Stone School House is a visual symbol of the process by which human beings organized their frontier communities and lived together in a group while promoting the education and social development necessary to a civilized society. As one of the few remaining, intact one-room schoolhouses in Wyoming, the Lower Shell Valley Stone School House is worthy of recognition by enrollment on the National Register of Historic Places.
Local significance of the building:
Education; Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
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.
Wyoming is home to the world's largest mineral hot spring, located in Thermopolis. The hot spring is named "The Big Spring" and produces over 3.6 million gallons of mineral water per day. The water is known for its healing properties and is used for therapeutic purposes.
About Big Horn County
Big Horn County Timeline
Big Horn County, Wyoming has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Crow and Shoshone people. These tribes relied on the region's vast resources for hunting, fishing, and gathering.
In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, European explorers began to venture into the area. The Crow Tribe, known for their expertise in horse breeding, developed a significant trade network with these explorers and fur trappers. This trade helped shape the region's economy and cultural landscape.
In 1869, the completion of the transcontinental railroad brought significant changes to the area. It led to an influx of settlers and the establishment of towns, including Basin and Lovell. These towns became centers of agriculture, mining, and ranching, which contributed to the growth and development of Big Horn County.
During the early 20th century, Big Horn County experienced both prosperity and challenges. The discovery of oil and gas reserves brought economic booms to the region, leading to increased population and infrastructure development. However, the Great Depression of the 1930s greatly impacted the county's economy, causing widespread poverty and unemployment.
Today, Big Horn County is known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant communities. It continues to be a place where residents and visitors can explore the area's natural beauty, learn about its history, and enjoy a wide range of outdoor recreational activities.
In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, European explorers began to venture into the area. The Crow Tribe, known for their expertise in horse breeding, developed a significant trade network with these explorers and fur trappers. This trade helped shape the region's economy and cultural landscape.
In 1869, the completion of the transcontinental railroad brought significant changes to the area. It led to an influx of settlers and the establishment of towns, including Basin and Lovell. These towns became centers of agriculture, mining, and ranching, which contributed to the growth and development of Big Horn County.
During the early 20th century, Big Horn County experienced both prosperity and challenges. The discovery of oil and gas reserves brought economic booms to the region, leading to increased population and infrastructure development. However, the Great Depression of the 1930s greatly impacted the county's economy, causing widespread poverty and unemployment.
Today, Big Horn County is known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant communities. It continues to be a place where residents and visitors can explore the area's natural beauty, learn about its history, and enjoy a wide range of outdoor recreational activities.
Big Horn County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Big Horn County, Wyoming.
- 1875 - Big Horn County is established as part of Wyoming Territory.
- 1880 - First post office is established in Basin.
- 1890 - Ranching becomes the primary industry in the area.
- 1901 - The town of Burlington is incorporated.
- 1901 - The Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad is completed.
- 1903 - The town of Greybull is established.
- 1909 - Big Horn County Courthouse is built in Basin.
- 1951 - The Yellowtail Dam and Reservoir are completed.
- 1961 - The Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark is designated.
- 2010 - Big Horn County has a population of over 11,000 people.