List of National Historic Landmarks in Wyoming facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The National Historic Landmarks in Wyoming are special places recognized by the U.S. Federal Government for their amazing history. These landmarks are found all over the state of Wyoming. There are 28 of these important sites in Wyoming. The very first ones were chosen on December 19, 1960, and the newest one was added on December 11, 2023. Each landmark tells a unique story about America's past.

Historic Forts and Military Sites

Wyoming is home to several historic forts that played a big role in protecting early settlers and shaping the West.

Fort D.A. Russell

Fort D.A. Russell in Cheyenne

Fort D.A. Russell was built in 1867 near Cheyenne. Its main job was to protect the workers building the Union Pacific Railroad. This railroad was super important for connecting the East and West coasts of the United States. Later, in 1871, it became a base for the Pawnee scout battalion, who helped the U.S. Army.

Fort Phil Kearny

A view of Fort Phil Kearny

Fort Phil Kearny was an army outpost built in the late 1860s. It was located in what is now northeastern Wyoming, along the famous Bozeman Trail. This trail was a shortcut for miners and settlers heading to the gold fields in Montana. The fort was important for protecting travelers on this busy route.

Fort Yellowstone

Fort Yellowstone, once an army base, now park headquarters

Inside Yellowstone National Park is Fort Yellowstone. This was a United States Army base created in 1888. Its purpose was to guard the newly established national park. The army helped protect Yellowstone's amazing natural features and wildlife. Later, it became the main office for managing Yellowstone National Park.

Quebec 01 Launch Control Facility

The Quebec 01 Launch Control Facility near Chugwater is a more recent historic site. It was once a control center for a missile complex during the Cold War. Today, it's a state historic site, showing a unique part of modern military history.

Important Trails and Landmarks

Many historic trails crossed Wyoming, and some natural landmarks helped guide travelers.

Independence Rock

Independence Rock, a famous landmark on the Oregon Trail

Independence Rock is a huge granite rock, about 130 feet (40 meters) tall. It was a very important landmark for pioneers traveling on the Oregon Trail and California Trail. Many travelers carved their names into the rock as they passed by, leaving a permanent record of their journey. It's located near Casper.

Oregon Trail Ruts

Deep ruts left by wagons on the Oregon Trail

Near Guernsey, you can see the Oregon Trail Ruts. This is a half-mile long section of the Oregon Trail where wagon wheels wore deep grooves into the sandstone ridge. These ruts are 2 to 6 feet deep! They are a powerful reminder of the thousands of wagons that passed through here on their way west.

South Pass

South Pass, an easy crossing point over the Continental Divide

South Pass is a historic mountain pass near South Pass City. It was the easiest way to cross the Continental Divide in the 1800s. This pass was used by pioneers, fur traders, and miners. It helped the U.S. claim the Pacific Northwest because it provided a clear route to that region.

Unique Cultural and Natural Sites

Wyoming also has landmarks that highlight its diverse history, from ancient cultures to modern architecture.

Ames Monument

The Ames Monument, a pyramid-shaped structure

The Ames Monument near Sherman is a large, pyramid-shaped monument. It was designed by a famous architect named Henry Hobson Richardson. It's considered a very important example of his work and a unique piece of art in the landscape.

Expedition Island

Expedition Island in Green River

Expedition Island is a park in Green River, Wyoming. This island marks the spot where Major John Wesley Powell began his famous expedition in 1871. He started his journey down the Green River and Colorado River from here, exploring and mapping these mighty rivers.

Heart Mountain Relocation Center

A marker at the Heart Mountain Relocation Center

The Heart Mountain Relocation Center near Ralston was an internment camp during World War II. It was a place where Japanese-Americans were forced to live during the war. It's a significant site that reminds us of a difficult time in American history.

Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark

The ancient Medicine Wheel in Wyoming

The Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark is located near Lovell. It's an ancient site with a large stone circle known as a medicine wheel. Native American people used these wheels for healing and religious ceremonies. It's a sacred place that connects us to the spiritual practices of early inhabitants.

Obsidian Cliff

Obsidian Cliff, a source of volcanic glass

Obsidian Cliff is a natural rock formation in Yellowstone National Park. It's made of obsidian, which is a type of volcanic glass. For thousands of years, prehistoric people used this cliff as a source for making tools like arrowheads and knives. It was a very important resource for them.

Sheridan Inn

The historic Sheridan Inn

The Sheridan Inn in Sheridan is a famous historic hotel. It was once operated by the legendary Buffalo Bill Cody, a well-known showman and frontiersman. The inn has a rich history and is a reminder of the Wild West era.

Tom Sun Ranch

The historic Tom Sun Ranch

The Tom Sun Ranch near Casper was a typical ranch during the "open range" period of the 1870s and 1880s. Tom Sun was a French-Canadian cattleman and frontiersman. This ranch shows what life was like for ranchers during that time.

Swan Land and Cattle Company Headquarters

Headquarters of the Swan Land and Cattle Company

The Swan Land and Cattle Company Headquarters near Chugwater includes the ranchhouse, barn, and commissary. This company was started in Scotland in 1883 and was a large cattle operation in Wyoming. The buildings show the history of big ranching businesses in the state.

Union Pacific Railroad Depot

The Union Pacific Railroad Depot in Cheyenne

The Union Pacific Railroad Depot in Cheyenne is a historic train station. It includes the main depot building and other related structures. This depot was a vital hub for train travel and transportation, connecting Cheyenne to the rest of the country. Today, it's known as the Wyoming Transportation Museum.

Upper Green River Rendezvous Site

The Upper Green River Rendezvous Site

The Upper Green River Rendezvous Site near Daniel was the location of several "Rocky Mountain Rendezvous." These were annual gatherings where fur trappers, Native Americans, and traders met to exchange goods and socialize. It's a 1,200-acre (485-hectare) site along the Green River.

Wapiti Ranger Station

The historic Wapiti Ranger Station

The Wapiti Ranger Station near Wapiti holds a special place in history. It was the very first U.S. Forest Service ranger station ever built. This station played a key role in managing and protecting America's forests.

Wyoming State Capitol

The Wyoming State Capitol building

The Wyoming State Capitol building in Cheyenne is where the state's government works. It's an important building that represents the history and governance of Wyoming.