In 1862, Ben Holladay moved the route for his Overland Stage Line from the more northerly Oregon Trail route in the belief it would be safer from Native American attacks, as well as closer to Denver, by then booming from the Pikes Peak gold rush. Holladay named the route for his company and maintained stations along … Continue reading Fort Sanders Overlay →

At one time 600 soldiers were housed at Fort Sanders, but numbers dropped due to fear of attacks. The military reservation covered 81 square acres of southeastern Wyoming in its heyday. The fort grounds were 223 feet (68 m) by 400 feet (122 m), including a parade ground. The post was originally built for four … Continue reading Fort Sanders Diagram →

Map and pencil drawings of military posts and telegraph stations on the Oregon Trail in Wyoming. From about 1811-1840, the Oregon Trail was laid down by traders and fur trappers. It could only be traveled by horseback or on foot. By the year 1836, the first of the migrant train of wagons was put together beginning … Continue reading Military Posts and Telegraph Stations on the Oregon Trail in Wyoming, 1863 →

  Here is a drawing of the newly created town of Laramie, Wyoming. Laramie grew very quickly — from a tent-end-of-tracks town (aka “Hell on Wheels”) to a permanent and thriving community boosted by the presence of the Union Pacific Railroad. Learn more about Fort Sanders and the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. Resources

Laramie City grew very quickly, becoming a major town in southeastern Wyoming. The only town larger than Laramie at this time was Cheyenne.  Above is a drawing of the town in 1875. Compare it to the 1870 drawing and you can see the growth that was rapidly occurring. Learn more about the history of Fort … Continue reading Laramie in 1875 →

G.L. Holt’s map of the Wyoming Territory was created in 1883 and depicts the counties that made up Wyoming at the time. These counties eventually decreased in size and additional counties were established. Learn more about the counties of Wyoming today.  Resources

By 1932, Laramie had grown to a well-established city. With the presence of the Union Pacific Railroad and the University of Wyoming, the city flourished and expanded beyond its early borders. Visit Laramie — you’ll love it! Resources

This is a hand-colored map  by Wyoming historian Grace Raymond Hebard depicting historical events in Wyoming, including narratives. Created shortly before her death in 1936, the map is autographed in the lower right corner. Learn more about Wyoming historian Grace Raymond Hebard.  Resources

This map depicts the railroad’s progression through Wyoming and its neighboring states. Learn more about the history of the building of the Transcontinental Railroad through Wyoming.  Resources