National Register Listing

Circle Ranch

a.k.a. R.L. Miller Ranch

4 mi. SW of Big Piney off WY 350, Big Piney, WY
Local significance of the district:
Agriculture; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

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.

Audiobooks about the history of Wyoming.
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.
Wyoming random facts
Sublette County, located in the state of Wyoming, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally home to various Native American tribes, including the Arapaho, Shoshone, and Crow, who relied on the abundant natural resources for their survival. The first European explorers arrived in the area in the early 1800s, with trappers and fur traders venturing into the region in search of beaver pelts and establishing trading posts.

In the mid-1800s, the Oregon Trail brought even more settlers to Sublette County as they traveled westward in search of better opportunities. These pioneers established ranches and farms, taking advantage of the fertile soil and favorable climate for agriculture. The discovery of gold in nearby South Pass further fueled the region's growth, attracting prospectors in hopes of striking it rich.

By the late 1800s, the expansion of the railroad network had a transformative effect on Sublette County. The Union Pacific Railroad reached the region, opening up new avenues for trade and commerce. This led to the establishment of towns and the growth of industries such as timber, mining, and ranching. Sublette County became known for its vast grazing lands, attracting cattle ranchers from across the country.

In the 20th century, Sublette County continued to thrive as an agricultural and natural resource-based economy. The development of oil and gas fields in the area brought additional economic prosperity, and with it came new challenges and opportunities. Today, Sublette County is a mix of historic traditions and modern industries, with a strong focus on outdoor recreation, tourism, and energy production.

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

  • 1800s - Sublette County is inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Shoshone and the Crow.
  • 1824 - The area is explored by fur trappers, including William Sublette, who the county is later named after.
  • 1837 - The first permanent settlement, Fort Bonneville, is established along the Green River in present-day Sublette County.
  • 1860s - The Oregon Trail brings an influx of settlers to the area, leading to the establishment of several small communities.
  • 1875 - The town of Pinedale is founded and becomes the county seat.
  • 1884 - Cattle ranching becomes an important industry in Sublette County.
  • 1900s - The discovery of oil and natural gas leads to increased economic activity in the county.
  • 1921 - The opening of the Sublette County Fair attracts locals and visitors alike.
  • 1950s - The construction of the Fontenelle Dam on the Green River brings irrigation and hydroelectric power to the area.
  • 1997 - Sublette County hosts the National High School Finals Rodeo, bringing national attention to the county.