By the fall of 1867, Laramie was growing. The protection provided by Fort Sanders drew many people from all over, plus the businesses to serve them.
The first hotel built in Laramie was a long log cabin called the “Shamrock.” It was owned by Patrick Doran, who claimed to have walked west from Pine Bluffs, Wyoming (about 90 miles) with a group of friends. While his friends found work in the tie camps in the mountains, Doran opened the Shamrock – flop rooms in the back and meals in the front, all served with Irish good cheer!
Learn more about Patrick Doran and the cultural impact of the Transcontinental Railroad.