Whether you are a lifelong resident or a visitor to the beautiful town of Cheyenne, Wyoming, there is certainly more here than immediately meets the eye. Beyond the staggering beauty of the natural landscape, Cheyenne is characterized by a deep history that is wonderfully displayed at a number of sights around town.
Historic Governors’ Mansion
Completed in 1905, the Wyoming Governors’ Mansion has been home to 19 of Wyoming’s first families including its first female governor, Nellie Tayloe Ross. The home was entirely modern when it opened, boasting newly available central plumbing, hot water heat, and gas and electrical fixtures.
The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969, guided by the efforts of Governor Stanley and First Lady Bobby Hathaway. In July 1977, the Governors’ Mansion opened its doors as a museum, highlighting the rich history of the home and its role in the growth of Wyoming in the early 1900s.
Ames Monument
The Ames monument was built in 1882 as a memorial to the influential Ames brothers of Massachusetts who spearheaded the construction of the first coast-to-coast rail system in the United States. This 60-foot high granite pyramid was built by the Union Pacific Railroad Company at the highest point of the original transcontinental route.
The Ames Monument is the most western location of the architecture of Henry Hobson Richardson, who infused the monolith with his characteristic energetic style and love of locally sourced construction materials.
Cheyenne Depot Museum
The Cheyenne Depot Museum’s mission is to celebrate the legacy of the many men and women who created the Union Pacific Railroad and the Cheyenne Depot within the city of Cheyenne. The museum tells the story of Cheyenne during the construction of the transcontinental railroad and the importance of this revolutionary concept for Cheyenne and the region as a whole.
Beyond the museum and artifacts, the Depot has become a vital cultural and entertainment destination for the greater Cheyenne community. Enjoy special events, music, and a brewpub on the ground floor of this beautifully restored building.
Camp Douglas Officers’ Club State Historic Site
While much is known of the tragic impacts of World War II on sites around the country, it may surprise visitors to this corner of Wyoming to learn of the military operations at Camp Douglas. At over a mile wide, Douglas served as the main Prisoner of War internment camp for the entire state of Wyoming. From the spring of 1943 through the winter of 1946, Camp Douglas housed over 5,000 POWs and nearly 500 army personnel.
Although few of the original 180 structures are still standing, murals painted on the side of the Officer’s Club are still visible today and are registered on the National Register of Historic Places.
With its rich history and beautiful scenery, a visit to Cheyenne and the surrounding area can be an adventure for your senses and a delight for your appreciation of the past.
Image via Pixabay
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