WyoHistory.org | The Online Encyclopedia of Wyoming History

Featured Topics

Indigenous People in Wyoming and the West

The Snow Chi Minh Trail: Don’t Blame Lady Bird Johnson

Wyomingites are well acquainted with the legendary stretch of Interstate 80 between Laramie and Walcott Junction. We have our own white-knuckle memories of that road or know of someone who has been caught in white-out conditions. This 77-mile stretch of Interstate 80 is notorious for fierce winter winds that blow the snow across the highway creating treacherous conditions.

Forty years ago, Cheyenne experienced one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in Wyoming’s recorded history. The devastating flood claimed the lives of twelve people, the youngest of whom was only 3 years old, and forever altered the landscape of Wyoming’s capitol. Read more about the most damaging flood in Wyoming history.

Near Death of the University of Wyoming

From 1890-1911, the University of Wyoming faced an existential threat when legislators repeatedly attempted to establish a separate agricultural college in Lander that would receive critical federal funding. Read more about how political maneuvering nearly killed Wyoming’s flagship university before it could fully establish itself.

G.K. Warren: The Explorer of Nebraska Territory

Governeur Kemble Warren explored thousands of miles of Nebraska Territory in the 1850s. This was no small accomplishment, given that the Territory encompassed most, if not all, of the modern states of Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Colorado, Montana and Wyoming. Read more about the explorations of G.K. Warren.

The Gallows That Hanged Tom Horn

Although James Julian is likely not a household name for many, his invention intertwines with some of the biggest names in Wild West legend. Julian’s invention of the hydraulic gallows impacted the way capital punishment was meted out in Wyoming for more than five decades. Read more about this gruesome invention.

The Latest from Our Blog

Voices from the Flood: When Cheyenne’s “Impossible” Disaster Struck

Leslie Waggener shares first-hand accounts of the devastating 1985 flood.

Keep Reading

Gerry Spence: Wyoming’s Legendary Trial Lawyer

One More Day in Wyoming History

Historic Preservation Month

My views on poetry

Education

Explore WyoHistory.org’s education packages, designed for classroom use.

View the Education Page

Interactive Map

Explore Wyoming’s history using our interactive map of articles.

View the map

Historical Topics

Contributors

The WyoHistory.org monthly newsletter includes updates of new articles on the website, info on history-related events, news about our contributors, etc. Add your name to the list to stay informed about all things history in Wyoming.

Learn More and Sign Up

February 2025