National Register Listing

Lehman-Tunnell Mansion

a.k.a. Tunnell House

618 Grand Ave., Laramie, WY
This 2 1/2 story brick house is architecturally one of the finest late 19th Century Constructed by Frank Cook in 1891, it is associated with the lives of persons significant in local history especially Edward Lehman, a prominent pioneer merchant, and also embodies the distinctive characteristics of the Queen Anne and late Victorian style widely used in that period. Mr. Cook also constructed several other important buildings in Laramie such as the Ivinson Mansion, (National Register Wyoming Place #50) many other stylish homes and some commercial structures. The house is one of very few remaining to represent the style and flamboyance of Laramie's early history.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

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.

architecture
The Oregon Trail, a historic pioneer trail that led to the west coast of the United States, passed through Wyoming. Thousands of settlers used the trail during the mid-1800s.
Wyoming random facts
Albany County in Wyoming has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Arapaho and Cheyenne tribes, who established their presence in the area long before the arrival of Europeans. These tribes relied on the region's abundant wildlife and water resources for sustenance and trade.

The first European explorers to venture into the area were members of the French Canadian fur trade, who arrived in the early 19th century. However, it was not until the mid-19th century that permanent settlement began to take shape in Albany County. The discovery of gold in the nearby South Pass region attracted miners and fortune-seekers, leading to an influx of settlers into the area.

The establishment of the Overland Trail, a major route for westward migration, further contributed to the growth of Albany County. The county's main town, Laramie, was founded in 1868 as a crucial stop along the Union Pacific Railroad. Laramie quickly developed into a vibrant community with the construction of schools, businesses, and government institutions.

Albany County's history also includes its role in the expansion of higher education in Wyoming. The University of Wyoming, founded in Laramie in 1886, became the state's first institution of higher learning. Today, the university remains a prominent institution and contributes significantly to the county's cultural and economic development.

Over the years, Albany County has evolved from its early mining and railroad roots into a diverse and thriving community. With its natural beauty, rich history, and robust economy, the county continues to attract residents and visitors alike to experience its unique culture and explore the great outdoors.

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

  • 1868 - Albany County was established on December 16, 1868, by the Dakota Legislature.
  • 1869 - Laramie, the county seat of Albany County, was founded on May 4, 1869.
  • 1870 - The University of Wyoming, the state's only four-year public university, was established in Laramie.
  • 1872 - The Union Pacific Railroad reached Laramie, providing increased transportation and commerce opportunities for Albany County.
  • 1875 - Territorial reform created Wyoming Territory, with Albany County as one of its original five counties.
  • 1886 - The Wyoming Territorial Prison was opened in Laramie, serving as a territorial penitentiary.
  • 1891 - The Wyoming Statehood Act was signed, making Wyoming the 44th state of the United States with Albany County as one of its counties.
  • 1905 - The University of Wyoming moved to its current campus location in Laramie.
  • 1921 - The Grand Encampment Museum was established to preserve the history and heritage of the mining and ranching communities in the area.
  • 1930 - Medicine Bow National Forest was established, providing recreational opportunities and protecting natural resources in Albany County.
  • 1962 - The Albany County Courthouse, an iconic Laramie landmark, was completed.
  • 1978 - The Wyoming Infrared Observatory, an astronomical observatory, was dedicated, enhancing scientific research in the region.