Laramie, Wyoming


Laramie is located in the south-eastern part and is the third largest city (together with Gillette) in the U.S. State of Wyoming. The City of Laramie offers many outdoor activities. The city is situated between the two mountain ranges, the Snowy Range and the Laramie Range. The city has been named as one of the best cities to retire by Money Magazine. It was the first city in Wyoming to prohibit smoking in bars and restaurants.



To See And To Do In Laramie


  • Prairie Rides
  • Earth, Wind and Fire Gallery
  • Snowy Range Scenic Byway
  • Laramie Plains Museum
  • High Plains Outdoor Institute
  • Downtown Laramie Historic District
  • Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site


History Of Laramie - Timeline


In 1815, the French-Canadian fur trader, Jacques La Ramée, lived in the area and was one of the first Europeans to visit the area. In 1820/1821, Jacques La Ramée disappeared and many people say he was killed by the Arapaho Indians. Several landmarks were later named for him.

In 1834, a trading post, Fort Laramie, was built. In 1852, William Vaux, opened the first school at Fort Laramie. It was the state's first school. In 1866, Fort Sanders was built. It was a wooden fort to protect travelers from Indian attacks. In 1867, William Helmus opened an office and a hardware store for his sawmill.

In 1868, the first train arrived. In 1870, the newspaper Laramie Daily Sentinel was published. In 1873, the State prison was established. Butch Cassidy was one of the many famous outlaws who has done time in the prison.

In 1874, the town was incorporated. In 1881, the daily newspaper, the Laramie Boomerang, was established. In 1886, the town had electricity and the University of Wyoming was established.

In 1890, the St. Paul's United Church of Christ of Laramie was built. In 1892, the Ivinson Mansion was build by by Jane and Edward Ivinson. Today it is the Laramie Plains Museum. In 1893, the general repair shop, Lovejoy Novelty Works, opened. In 1895, Harry Cordiner opened a drugstore. In 1896, St. Matthew's Cathedral was built. In 1900, more than 8,200 people were living in the city.

In 1950, the actor, playwright, screenwriter, and film historian Jim Beaver was born in the city. In 1955, the American Western film, The Man from Laramie, starring James Stewart, was released.