Gillette City Hall (1936)

a.k.a. Gillette City Hall Mall; 48CA6111

400 S. Gillette Ave., Gillette, WY
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Law; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2019.

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.

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Wyoming was the site of the world's first national park, Yellowstone National Park, which was established in 1872. The park is located primarily in Wyoming, with small portions in Montana and Idaho. It is famous for its geothermal features, including Old Faithful geyser, and its diverse wildlife.
Campbell County, Wyoming has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shoshone and Arapaho, who relied on hunting and gathering for survival. European exploration of the area began in the early 1800s, with fur trappers and traders venturing into the region in search of valuable animal pelts.

The first permanent settlement in Campbell County was established in 1868, when Fort Reno was constructed along the Bozeman Trail. The fort served as a crucial supply point for travelers on the trail, which connected the Oregon Trail with the Montana gold fields. However, conflicts with Native American tribes led to the abandonment of Fort Reno just a few years later.

The discovery of coal in the late 19th century brought significant change to Campbell County. Mining operations began to expand, attracting an influx of settlers looking for work and opportunities. The town of Gillette was founded in 1891 as a result of the growing coal industry. Over the years, coal mining became the economic backbone of Campbell County, shaping its development and providing a livelihood for many.

In the 20th century, Campbell County experienced further growth and transformation. The construction of railroads and highways improved transportation in the area, facilitating the transport of coal and other goods. The county also became a major hub for energy production, with the development of oil, natural gas, and uranium reserves. Today, Campbell County continues to be a vital contributor to Wyoming's economy, with its abundant natural resources and diverse industries.

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

  • 1868: Campbell County is established as part of the Dakota Territory.
  • 1890: Campbell County becomes a part of the newly formed state of Wyoming.
  • 1892: The Burlington Railroad arrives in Campbell County, spurring growth in the area.
  • 1911: The town of Gillette is founded, becoming the county seat.
  • 1917: Coal mining begins in Campbell County, leading to a period of rapid industrialization.
  • 1948: Oil is discovered in the Powder River Basin, further boosting the local economy.
  • 1967: Campbell County becomes the largest coal-producing county in Wyoming.
  • 1974: The Gillette-Campbell County Airport opens, improving transportation options.
  • 2009: Campbell County experiences a boom in population and economic activity due to increased coal mining and oil production.