Historical Markers in
Natrona County, Wyoming

A Look Back A Tribute to Hardship Alcova Reservoir And On the Horizon... Battle of Red Buttes Bridger and Bozeman Trails Bridger Road – Waltman Crossing Cable Tool Drilling Rig Casper - Natrona County - State Founding Casper Army Air Base Casper: "The Oil Capital of the Rockies" City of Casper Civilian Conservation Corps Devil's Gate Eadsville Ella Watson Ellen L. Watson (“Cattle Kate”) Emigrant Gap Historical Site First Among Many Following the River Frederick Richard Fulkerson Fremont Canyon Fremont Canyon Power Plant Geologic Story Geology Giving Shape to History Goose Egg Ranch Guinard Bridge Gushers, Hell’s Half Acre Independence Rock Independence Rock Indians Of Wyoming Lure of the West Mama Sage Marking Their Progress Marking Their Progress Martin's Cove Martin's Cove Midwest Veterans Memorial Military Explorers Monument Corrections Mormon Pioneer Trail Naming a Landmark Oil Boom Towns Old Fort Caspar Old Pioneer Military Cemetery Oregon Trail Oregon Trail Oregon Trail Oregon-California Trail Oregon/California/Mormon Trails Pathfinder Dam Construction Pioneer Monument / Fort Casper Platte Bridge Cemetery Pony Express Pronghorns and Sagebrush Queen City of the West Railroads Ranching in Wyoming Ranching Takes Its Place Reconstructed Fort Caspar Red Buttes Reluctant Farewells Richard Bridge and Military Complex Richard's Bridge Robert Stuart Cabin Site Salt Creek Oil Field Salt Creek Oil Field Salt Creek Oil Field Scandal! Science Visits the West Shape of the Future Site of Fort Casper Site of Old Platte Bridge Society in an Oil Patch Sun Ranch The Armory The Battle at Platte Bridge The Battle of Red Buttes The Emigrant Road The Mormon Ferry The Mormons The Oregon Trail The Oregon Trail The Ox-Team Monument Expedition The Pioneer Women The Pony Express The Preservation of Independence Rock The Road to Zion The Town of Mills The Upper Crossing The “Mormon” Ferry Tom Sun Ranch Willow Springs Witnessing the Past Wyoming's Oil & Gas "History Is Not Obvious" “Committed to the Land”
The first coal mine in Wyoming was opened in 1867, and coal mining has been an important industry in the state ever since.
Wyoming random facts
Natrona County, Wyoming has a rich and fascinating history that begins with the Indigenous peoples who inhabited this region for thousands of years. The area was home to several tribes, including the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Shoshone, who utilized the natural resources and abundant wildlife for their sustenance.

In the mid-1800s, the Oregon Trail brought an influx of settlers through the region, and soon, the discovery of gold in the nearby South Pass area sparked the first major wave of non-Indigenous settlement. This led to the establishment of Fort Caspar in 1859, which provided protection for travelers and became a significant trading post.

The discovery of vast oil reserves in the early 20th century had a transformative effect on Natrona County. The region experienced a significant population boom, with workers and investors flocking to the area to capitalize on the oil industry. As a result, Casper, the county seat, grew rapidly and became a vital center for oil production, refining, and distribution.

Throughout the 20th century, Natrona County underwent several transformations and faced various challenges. The county played a crucial role in World War II, hosting the Amoco Oil Refinery, which produced vast amounts of fuel for the war effort. Additionally, it became an essential training ground for US military pilots during this time.

Today, Natrona County is renowned for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and continued ties to the energy industry. The area is home to iconic landmarks such as Casper Mountain, Alcova Reservoir, and the North Platte River, attracting tourists and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. While the energy industry still plays a significant role in the local economy, the county has diversified and now encompasses healthcare, education, and tourism as essential sectors.

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

  • 1886 - The first settlers establish a community in what is now Natrona County.
  • 1890 - Natrona County is officially organized and becomes a separate county in the state of Wyoming.
  • 1892 - Casper, the county seat of Natrona County, is incorporated as a city.
  • 1912 - The discovery of oil in the Salt Creek Oil Field leads to a major boom in the county's economy.
  • 1927 - The opening of the Midwest Refinery in Natrona County helps further boost the oil industry in the area.
  • 1955 - The Interstate Highway System brings improved transportation infrastructure to Natrona County.
  • 1972 - The Teapot Dome scandal, one of the biggest political scandals in U.S. history, is linked to Natrona County and its oil reserves.
  • 1999 - The recognition of Casper Mountain as a recreational area and the development of tourism become important aspects of the county's economy.
  • 2010 - Natrona County celebrates its 120th anniversary since its official organization as a county.