Cheyenne, WY

Traveling on I-80 through Wyoming is a genuine treat. At a rest area we noted small patches of snow and a sign that said we had reached the highest point on that highway, 8640 feet. There are antelope loping across the plains, snow capped mountains, rushing rivers and many trains whose tracks parallel the highway. Cheyenne, with a population of over 53000, is a true western town whose main attraction is Frontier Days (CDF) held each year in late July. This bronco bustin’, calf ropin’, bull riding rodeo show has been managed and staffed by volunteers for 110 years. Any American cowboy worth his salt wants to compete in one or more CFD events. Some competitors have even given their lives in the quest for fame and money.

Historically, Cheyenne, called the Magic City for the Plains, is a railroad town founded in 1867. President Lincoln decided that the Transcontinental Railroad should pass through the area which would later become Wyoming’s capital city. The elegant old Union Pacific Station (1886), vacant for many years, is fully restored to its original condition. The large clock on the tall stone tower still requires winding three days per week. Like many towns in the West, Cheyenne was first a tent city. By the time the depot was completed wealth was on the way. The early residents had an eye for quality architecture, and many of the majestic old buildings still stand. Construction on the capitol building began in 1886. The Wyoming Territory was eager to become a state, but Washington was resisting because of the small population. The Capitol was designed to resemble the U.S. Capitol, and money was not spared in creating its opulence. The rich cherry wood interior was crafted by Amish workers. It was believed that a grand capitol building would influence congress to vote for statehood. That finally happened in 1890. One delay was because Congress did not like the fact that women were allowed to vote in Wyoming long before they were able to do so in the rest of the country. The famous advocate for women’s suffrage was Esther Hobart Morris, and a large statue of her stands in front of the Capitol.

We toured several museums; our favorite was the privately owned Nelson Museum of the West. We met the owner and curator, Bob Nelson, who is a big game hunter. Many of the animal heads from his hunts are mounted on the walls of the museum. There are also tributes to cowboys, lawmen, early settlers, and Native Americans. A vast array of spurs, elaborate saddles, boots, cowboy outfits, Indian dress, firearms, and pictures of notorious outlaws are exhibited. We also visited the old Governor’s Mansion and carriage house. Cheyenne recently celebrated the 100th birthday of these structures.

Our trolley driver and narrator was a native of the Capital and a retired teacher. He has conducted much research on the history of his beloved city; his tour presentation was lively, humorous, and informative. Unique items observed at various points in the city were large, colorful cowboy boots made of fiberglass by local artists.