National Register Listing

Bairoil Town Hall

a.k.a. Prairie Oil & Gas Company

505 Antelope Dr., Bairoil Dr., WY
Local significance of the building:
Industry; Community Planning And Development

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2015.

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.

industry community planning and development
Audiobooks about the history of Wyoming.
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
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 concise overview of the key events in 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