This Wyoming Town Is Older Than the State Itself
When the Union Pacific Railroad reached what was then called Crow Creek Crossing in 1867, workers would have had no idea that they were playing a part in founding what would eventually become Wyoming's capital city. Named Cheyenne after the region’s indigenous population, this new settlement grew so quickly from a ragtag collection of tents to a recognizable American small town that locals dubbed it the "Magic City of the Plains."
Within just two years, this upstart railroad camp was named the “temporary” capital of the Wyoming Territory. Yet when Wyoming achieved statehood on July 10, 1890, Cheyenne had already served as its seat of government for 21 years, cementing its position as the most important community in the Mountain States. Now bursting at the seams with over 65,000 residents, Cheyenne is not only Wyoming’s largest city, it’s the oldest and remains the only capital the “Cowboy State” has ever known.
From Railroad Camp To State Capital
Once the Cheyenne name was settled on, it wasn’t long before a mayor was elected, a fire department established, and a police force recruited. Despite the police presence, keeping order in this fast-growing town was initially a thankless task. Until, that is, the US military also set up shop here with the construction of Fort D.A. Russell in 1867. This much-needed military presence not only provided protection for the railroad and residents, but it also brought economic stability for the fledgling town.
The cattle industry was to prove the next transformational force. In the 1870s and 1880s, businesses like the Wyoming Hereford Ranch began raising purebred cattle, helping cement Cheyenne's reputation for rearing quality livestock. Established in 1883, this historic ranch is still going strong and even opens its doors for public tours and visits.
It was around this time that locals began letting the world know of Cheyenne’s remarkable success. The still-celebrated Cheyenne Frontier Days began in 1897 and has since become one of the country's top rodeo events, forever tying the town’s identity to that of the Old West. Held over 10 days each July, highlights include daily rodeo performances and a spectacular Grand Parade featuring a procession of floats, bands, and period-costumed riders along a route that passes the Capitol.
Cheyenne’s Railroad Heritage
The elegantly designed Union Pacific Depot, completed in 1887, is as an important relic from Cheyenne’s railroad heyday. Designed by architect Henry Van Brunt and the railroad's most grandiose facility west of Council Bluffs, Iowa, this red and buff colored sandstone building still commands attention. Set in the Downtown Cheyenne Historic District, it’s now home to the Cheyenne Depot Museum with its huge model railroad display with its extraordinary attention to detail. Be sure to also visit the viewing platform for views overlooking the still active rail yards.
The Union Pacific Railroad Steam Shop offers fascinating public tours for a unique and informative behind-the-scenes look at the museum’s preservation efforts. Tours include transportation via Cheyenne Street Railway Trolleys as well as museum admission. It’s here that Big Boy 4014, the country’s only operational Big Boy locomotive, undergoes maintenance when not running.
Cheyenne Botanic Gardens is also worth seeing for its railroad connection. It’s home to Engine 1242 (aka, Old Sadie), built in 1890 and Wyoming's oldest surviving steam engine. And if you take a drive past American Legion Post 6, you’ll catch a glimpse of the historic Merci Train, a boxcar that France gifted to Wyoming after World War II as a thank you for the state’s role in supplying wartime aid.
Other Things To Do In Cheyenne
The Wyoming State Museum is one of the best free things to do in Cheyenne. Highlights include collections ranging from Native American and frontier-era artifacts, plus a fun "Hands-on Habitat" that provides interactive experiences for children, including a crawl-through prairie dog town.
The Warren ICBM & Heritage Museum at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base is another must-see. Built on the original Fort Russell site, the museum occupies Building 31, the base's 1887 hospital, and tells the story of America's nuclear deterrent alongside the base's 150-year military history. The base features three historic districts with over 200 structures on the National Register, including the 1885 "Doll Houses," the oldest buildings on the installation.
If you can’t make it to the town’s famous rodeo, you can at least experience a little of the fun at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum. Displays include the museum's collection of old carriages, Western art, and Native American artifacts.
The Final Word
While Cheyenne undoubtedly earned its place in Wyoming’s history through a simple quirk of geography - it was simply the best place to lay a railroad line as America marched westward - the town went on to prove its worth. From its practical yet humble beginnings as a campsite for railway workers to its becoming the state’s political and commercial epicenter, Cheyenne’s remarkable history makes it a magnificent travel destination. So whether you’re a history buff or simply want to learn more about how the West was won, this Wyoming town is well worth a visit.
