Historical Markers in
Sweetwater County, Wyoming

1825 Rocky Mountain Rendezvous A Tragedy Remembered All Because of an Ancient Lake Almond Overland Stage Station An Unsolved Mystery Barren Land? Beneath This Monument Bryan Burial on the Trail Burning Wagons Buzz Holstrom Construction and Cooling: Continuing the Journey West Crossing and Cruising: Crossing the Green River Death on the Trail Emigrant/Indian Relations Eskridge Draw Ferrying Across the Green River First Transcontinental Telegraph George Flavell Green River Brewery Green River City Hall - 1942-1954 Green River: No Longer Wild, Forever Tamed Henry Bourne Joy and the Lincoln Highway Immigrants John Wesley Powell John Wesley Powell, 1871 Julius Stone Kolb Brothers Landscapes of Power Linwood Bay Little Sandy Crossing Little Sandy Crossing Major Wesley Powell and Party Mama Sage Nathaniel Galloway - 1890's Norm Nevills & A.K. Reynolds - 1940's Oil Derrick Old South Bend Stage Station One Day at a Time Opening the Mines Oregon Trail Memorial Overland Stage Route Overland to Zion Pilot Butte Pilot Butte & "Graves" of the Unknown Emigrants Point of Rocks Point of Rocks Stage Station Powell - Colorado River Expedition 1869 Prospecting Riverside Swimming Pool Rock Spring Stage Station Site Rock Springs Coal Rock Springs Coal Welcome Sign Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge Simpson's Hollow Sodium Carbonate Brine Sunbeam - 1908 Superior The 24-Hour Town The Big Sandy River The Damsite Surveys The French Trio - 1938 The Great Unknown The Lombard Ferry The Overland Stage The Overland Stage Station Route The Paddlewheeler Comet - 1908 The Reliance Tipple The Utah War Tipples and the Reliance Coal Mines To the Brave Men Who Rode the Pony Express Town Development Tri-Territory Historic Site Trona Precursors Unions William Ashley - 1825 William Manly - 1849 Wind and Water in the Great Divide Basin Women and the Reliance Mines Working in the Mines "Charlie Smith" "Graves" of the Unknown Emigrants
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Wyoming random facts
Sweetwater County, located in the southwestern part of Wyoming, has a rich and diverse history. The county was initially inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Shoshone and Ute, who used the area for hunting and gathering. The first recorded European exploration of the region can be traced back to the early 1800s when fur trappers ventured into the area in search of beaver pelts.

In the mid-19th century, the Oregon Trail and the California Gold Rush brought a wave of settlers to Sweetwater County. The county witnessed a significant influx of pioneers as they traveled through the region, establishing trading posts, farms, and small communities along the trail. The establishment of Fort Bridger in the 1840s further contributed to the development of the county as it became a supply center for those traveling west.

The discovery of coal in the 1860s played a crucial role in shaping the future of Sweetwater County. The mining industry grew rapidly, attracting more settlers to the area, and leading to the establishment of towns such as Rock Springs and Green River. The region's coal reserves became one of the county's primary industries and continued to fuel its growth and development throughout the 20th century.

In addition to coal, Sweetwater County has seen the rise of other industries such as oil and natural gas extraction, agriculture, and tourism. The county's vast open spaces, stunning landscapes, and opportunities for outdoor recreation have made it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Today, Sweetwater County remains an important regional hub, offering a mix of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and a thriving economy fueled by various industries.

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

  • 1824: First documented exploration of the area by mountain man Jim Bridger
  • 1843: John C. Frémont leads expedition through present-day Sweetwater County
  • 1867: Completion of the Transcontinental Railroad through Sweetwater County
  • 1868: Creation of Sweetwater County, with Green River as the county seat
  • 1870: Discovery of coal deposits leads to the development of mining towns
  • 1885: Establishment of the first post office in the county
  • 1920s: Oil and gas development begins in the county
  • 1962: Construction of the Jim Bridger Power Plant
  • 1989: The Oregon Trail Historic Byway is designated, highlighting the county's historical significance
  • 2000s: Renewable energy, including wind power, becomes a focus of development