National Register of Historic Places listings in Lincoln County, Wyoming facts for kids

Location of Lincoln County in Wyoming

Welcome to Lincoln County, Wyoming! Did you know that this area is home to many important historical places? These special spots are listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places. It's like a national list of buildings, sites, and objects that are super important to American history.

In Lincoln County, there are 13 places on this list. One of them is even more special and is called a National Historic Landmark! This means it's considered one of the most important historic places in the entire country. There was also another place that used to be on the list but isn't anymore. Let's explore some of these cool historical sites!

Historic Places You Can Visit

Emigrant Springs: A Stop on the Trail

Imagine pioneers traveling across the country in wagons! Emigrant Springs was a vital stop for them. It's located about 18 miles west of Kemmerer. This spring provided fresh water, which was incredibly important for people and their animals on long journeys. It reminds us of the brave folks who traveled west long ago.

Haddenham Cabin: A Pioneer Home

The Haddenham Cabin is found within Fossil Butte National Monument near Kemmerer. This cabin shows us what life was like for early settlers in Wyoming. It's a simple log cabin that tells a story of hard work and survival in the wilderness.

Fossil Oregon Short Line Depot: A Train Station from the Past

Near Kemmerer, you can find the Fossil Oregon Short Line Depot. This old train station was once a busy place where people arrived and departed, and goods were shipped. Train depots were like the airports of their time, connecting communities and helping towns grow.

Johnston Scout Rocks: Messages from the Past

Just a mile south of Emigrant Springs are the Johnston Scout Rocks. These rocks might have been used by scouts or travelers to leave messages or mark trails. They are a silent reminder of the many people who passed through this area.

Lincoln County Courthouse: A Place of Law and Order

The Lincoln County Courthouse in Kemmerer is a grand building where important decisions for the county are made. It's located at Sage Avenue and Garnet Street. Courthouses are often beautiful buildings that represent justice and community.

Names carved into the rock at Names Hill

Names Hill: Where Travelers Left Their Mark

Names Hill is a fascinating spot on the Green River, about 5 miles south of La Barge. For centuries, travelers, including Native Americans, explorers, and pioneers, carved their names and messages into the rock face. It's like an ancient guestbook, showing us who passed through this area and when. One famous name carved there is that of explorer Jim Bridger!

The original J. C. Penney store in Kemmerer

J. C. Penney Historic District: The Start of a Shopping Giant

The J. C. Penney Historic District in Kemmerer is a very special place. It's where the famous J. C. Penney department store chain began! James Cash Penney opened his first store here in 1902, calling it "The Golden Rule Store." This district includes the original store and other buildings that were part of its early history. It's a National Historic Landmark because of its importance to American business history.

The J. C. Penney House in Kemmerer

J.C. Penney House: Where the Founder Lived

Also in Kemmerer, near Railroad Park, is the J.C. Penney House. This was the home of James Cash Penney himself. Seeing his house helps us imagine what life was like for the man who built such a huge company.

The historic Rock Church in Auburn

Rock Church: A Unique Place of Worship

In Auburn, Wyoming, you'll find the unique Rock Church. It's called that because it's built from local rocks! Located at 2nd West and 1st South Streets, this church is a beautiful example of early architecture in the area and shows the community's dedication.

Salt River Hydroelectric Powerplant: Power from Water

The Salt River Hydroelectric Powerplant near Etna is a place where electricity is made using the power of flowing water. It's located at the end of County Road 12-104. This powerplant has been providing clean energy for many years, showing how people used natural resources to help communities grow. Part of it even extends into Idaho!

US Post Office-Kemmerer Main: Sending Messages

The US Post Office-Kemmerer Main at 318 Sapphire Street in Kemmerer is where people have been sending and receiving mail for decades. Post offices are important community buildings that connect people and help businesses run smoothly.

Former Historic Places

Sometimes, a historic place might be removed from the National Register. This usually happens if the building is changed too much or is no longer standing.

Kemmerer Hotel: A Lost Landmark

The Kemmerer Hotel in Kemmerer used to be on the National Register of Historic Places. It was located at Pine and Sapphire streets. However, this hotel was demolished in June 2004, so it was removed from the list in 2013.

Images for kids

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  The Haddenham Cabin at Fossil Butte National Monument.

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  The Lincoln County Courthouse in Kemmerer.