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
About Sweetwater County
Sweetwater County Timeline
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.
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.
Sweetwater County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history 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