National Register of Historic Places listings in Converse County, Wyoming facts for kids
The National Register of Historic Places is a special list of important places in the United States. These places are recognized because they have a lot of history or are very special. They could be old buildings, important sites, or even parts of trails. Converse County in Wyoming has 24 of these amazing places! They help us learn about the past and understand how people lived long ago.
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Historic Places in Douglas
Douglas is a city in Converse County with many places on the National Register. These sites tell us about the city's past, from its early days to more recent times.
Important Buildings in Douglas
- Christ Episcopal Church and Rectory: This old church and its rectory (where the priest lives) were built a long time ago. They are important parts of Douglas's history and community life.
- College Inn Bar: This building on North 2nd Street has been around for many years. It's a historic spot that shows what local businesses were like in the past.
- Douglas City Hall: The city hall is where local government decisions are made. This building on South 3rd Street is a historic landmark for the city.
- Fremont, Elkhorn & Missouri Valley Railroad Passenger Depot: This old train station on Walnut Street was once a busy place. It was important for people traveling and for bringing goods in and out of Douglas.
- Hotel LaBonte: Located on Walnut Street, this historic hotel welcomed many travelers over the years. It's a great example of old hotels in Wyoming.
- Jenne Block: This building on Center Street is an important part of Douglas's downtown area. It shows the kind of architecture and businesses that were common in the past.
- Morton Mansion: This grand house on Center Street is a historic mansion. It gives us a peek into how some families lived in Douglas long ago.
- US Post Office-Douglas Main: The main post office on North 3rd Street is another historic building. It has been a key place for communication in Douglas for many years.
Historic Districts and Unique Sites in Douglas
- North Douglas Historic District: This is not just one building, but a whole area in Douglas with many historic buildings. It includes parts of 2nd, Clay, 6th, and Center Streets. Walking through this district is like taking a step back in time.
- Officer's Club, Douglas Prisoner of War Camp: This site on South Riverbend Drive is from World War II. It was part of a camp where prisoners of war were held. The Officer's Club is a reminder of this unique part of Douglas's history.
- La Prele Work Center: Located southwest of Douglas in the Medicine Bow National Forest, this work center is a historic district. It likely played a role in managing the forest and its resources.
Historic Places in Glenrock
Glenrock also has several important sites listed on the National Register, showing its own unique history.
Notable Buildings in Glenrock
- Commerce Block: This building at 4th and Birch Streets is a historic commercial building. It shows what kind of shops and businesses were in Glenrock in the past.
- Hotel Higgins: Located on West Birch, the Hotel Higgins is a historic hotel in Glenrock. It provided lodging for travelers and was an important part of the town's social life.
Other Historic Sites in Glenrock
- Glenrock Buffalo Jump: This ancient site is near Glenrock. It was used by Native Americans long ago to hunt buffalo. It's a very important archaeological site that tells us about early human life in the area.
- Huxtable Ranch Headquarters District: This historic ranch on Boxelder Road shows what ranching life was like in Wyoming. It includes several buildings that were part of the ranch's operations.
Historic Trails and Other Sites
Converse County is also home to parts of the famous Bozeman Trail and other historic ranches.
The Bozeman Trail
The Bozeman Trail was a historic route used in the 1860s by gold miners and settlers traveling from Wyoming to the gold fields in Montana. Several parts of this trail in Converse County are listed as historic sites:
- Antelope Creek Crossing: This spot near Ross was an important crossing point on the Bozeman Trail.
- Holdup Hollow Segment, Bozeman Trail: This section of the trail is north of Glenrock. It's a well-preserved part of the historic route.
- Ross Flat Segment, Bozeman Trail: Located northwest of Ross, this is another important segment of the trail.
- Sage Creek Station: This was a station along the Bozeman Trail near Glenrock, providing a stop for travelers.
- Stinking Water Gulch Segment, Bozeman Trail: This part of the trail is southeast of Ross.
Other Historic Ranches and Forts
- Braehead Ranch: This historic ranch on Moss Agate Road near Douglas is a district on the National Register. It represents the history of ranching in the area.
- Dorr Ranch: Located northeast of Bill, this ranch is another historic site. Ranches played a huge role in the development of Wyoming.
- Fort Fetterman: This old fort is located north of Interstate 25 near Orpha. It was an important military post in the late 1800s, playing a role in conflicts and protecting settlers.