A Peek Into the History of Rock Springs, Wyoming
Railroads, Coal, Outlaws & Airmail
Rock Springs in Sweetwater, Wyoming, is brimming with historical places and must-sees. From its deep roots in the coal-mining and railroad industries to its brushes with legendary outlaws, uncover the stories and experience the excitement of the Old West with local sightseeing destinations.
Railroad & Coal-Mining Industries
The Backstory
During the 1800s, small towns began dotting Wyoming’s vast open landscape as the railroad and mining industries thrived across the Wild West. The Union Pacific Coal Company attracted workers from across the nation — and the globe — to these burgeoning towns, transforming empty high desert into bustling, multicultural hubs. Here, immigrant coal miners brought their distinctive foods, languages and cultures with them. An estimated 56 nationalities pioneered Rock Springs, and today, this ethnic diversity can still be seen through local events, restaurants and more.
Experience History Today
Rock Springs is just one of the many small towns brought to life by the 19th-century mining and railroad booms. Learn more about the city’s history at the Rock Springs Historical Museum.
Or, about 3 miles north of Rock Springs, take a self-guided tour of historical Reliance Tipple. Check out interpretive signs about the town’s tipple — a 1930s steel and iron structure once used for sorting mined coal.
Old West Outlaws
The Backstory
You may have never heard of Robert Leroy Parker, but we’re certain you’ve heard of his alias: Butch Cassidy. This notorious robber and gunslinger spent some time in and around Rock Springs. He briefly worked as a butcher (which is reportedly where he got the name “Butch”) and frequented local downtown establishments. Later in his outlaw career (after a series of shootouts, horse thefts and train robberies), Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch hid out at Fort Bridger, just outside of Rock Springs.
Another Western legend, Martha Jane Cannary (famously known as sharpshooter Calamity Jane), also spent some time in Rock Springs. Although few facts about her life have been verified, rumor has it that she had a dugout on what is now M Street.
Experience History Today
Experience a piece of Wild West history when you follow in the footsteps of Butch Cassidy on the Outlaw Trail. On the way, check out the gang’s old hideout, Minnie’s Gap.
Early U.S. Airmail & Aviation History
The Backstory
Once the Wright brothers took to the skies in their amazing flying machine, modern aviation began reshaping how people corresponded across great distances. At that time, mail was the main form of communication and was delivered largely via the Pony Express or the railroad.
In 1920, an official transcontinental airmail route was established in North America. There was just one problem. Pilots relied on visual cues to navigate — looking at the ground and finding nearby landmarks to follow — which could be very difficult at night and during inclement weather. As a solution, a network of light beacons and bright-yellow concrete arrows were created so pilots could find them across the country and know exactly where to drop mail.
As technology improved during the 1930s — and budgets tightened during the Great Depression — pilots no longer used this system to deliver mail. Many light towers were disassembled for their steel, though visitors can still find the concrete arrows throughout the country as remnants of this historical epoch in postal service and aviation history.
Experience History Today
Several mail drop locations are located just outside of Rock Springs. History buffs can seek them out nearby using this interactive map or this hobbyist page.
Explore More of Sweetwater’s Storied Past
Want to experience more local history? Cruise along historical scenic byways like Bridger Valley Historic Byway or Muddy Creek Historic Byway to see the crossroads of famous pioneer routes like the Mormon and Oregon trails or visit a Western ghost town. Or drive along with the self-guided Flaming Gorge Audio Tour for tales of colorful Western characters and insights on local wildlife and geological wonders. Before heading out, be sure to check local road conditions and bring extra supplies for the trip.
In Green River, you can visit Expedition Island where John Wesley Powell launched multiple expeditions to map and explore the Grand Canyon. Snag a kayak or raft from a local outfitter and you can paddle along the same river as Powell.