Converse County, Wyoming
Braehead Ranch
Christ Episcopal Church and Rectory
College Inn Bar
Commerce Block
Dorr Ranch
Douglas City Hall
Fort Fetterman
Fremont, Elkhorn & Missouri Valley Railroad Passenger Depot
Hotel Higgins
Hotel LaBonte
Huxtable Ranch Headquarters District
Jenne Block
La Prele Work Center
Morton Mansion
North Douglas Historic District
Officer's Club, Douglas Prisoner of War
US Post Office-Douglas Main
Ada Magill
Alvah H. Unthank
Ayres Natural Bridge Park
Big Muddy Oil Field
Bill Hooker
Bozeman Trail
Chicago & Northwestern Railway (C&NW) Steel Sheathed Wooden Day Coach
Chicago Burlington & Quincy Railroad (CB&Q) Wooden Caboose
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad (CB&Q) 4-8-4 Steam Locomotive #5633
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad (CB&Q) Dining Car
Cottonwoods: Homes Along the Prairie River
Deer Creek Station
Douglas
Douglas Railroad Interpretive Center
Fairmont Motor Car
Ferdinand V. Hayden
Formation of Ayres Natural Bridge
Fort Fetterman
Good Roads Club
Great Northern Railway (GN) Sleeping Car
Hog Ranch
James BridgerÂ’s Ferry
John Hunton
Junction of the Oregon Trail
Natural Bridge and the Oregon Trail
Oregon Trail
Oregon Trail
Rock in the Glen
Sharp, Franklin and Taylor,
Site of Brigham Young (BYX) Mail Station
The One Mile Hog Ranch
The Oregon Trail
Union Pacific Railroad (UP) Double Deck Stock Car
Union Pacific Railroad Baggage Car
Water Supply
In the 19th century, Converse County became an important hub for the American fur trade, attracting both traders and settlers. The discovery of gold in the nearby Black Hills of South Dakota in the late 1870s further fueled the growth in the area. In 1888, Converse County was officially established, named after A.R. Converse, a prominent Wyoming banker and politician.
The expansion of the railroad network in the late 19th century greatly influenced the development of Converse County. The arrival of the railroad allowed for easier transportation of goods and people, leading to the establishment of several towns, including Douglas, the county seat. Douglas became a major shipping and trading center for the region, facilitating the growth of agriculture and ranching industries.
Throughout the 20th century, Converse County experienced various economic booms, primarily driven by the discovery and extraction of natural resources. In the early 20th century, oil and gas were discovered in the county, leading to the establishment of oil fields and refineries. This industry continues to be a significant part of the county's economy to this day.
In summary, Converse County's history is characterized by the influence of Native American tribes, the growth of the fur trade, the impact of the railroad, and the development of the oil and gas industry. Today, Converse County remains an important part of Wyoming's economy and heritage.
Brief timeline of the history of Converse County, Wyoming:
- 1860: Early settlers arrive in the area now known as Converse County.
- 1888: The county is officially established on March 9.
- 1889: The town of Douglas is founded and becomes the county seat.
- 1892: The Burlington Railroad reaches Douglas, bringing significant economic growth.
- 1910: The Wyoming State Hospital is established in Douglas.
- 1916: Glenrock is incorporated as a town.
- 1922: Oil is discovered in the Lance Creek oil field, leading to an oil boom in the region.
- 1950s: The oil industry continues to thrive, bringing economic prosperity.
- 1961: Thunder Basin National Grassland is established in northeastern Converse County.
- 1976: Ayer Natural Bridge, a popular geological formation, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- 1990s: The county experiences an economic downturn due to decreasing oil prices.
- 2000s: Efforts are made to diversify the economy, focusing on tourism and new industries.
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Converse County, Wyoming.