Featured Businesses
Rawlins, WY
Rawlins, the county seat of Carbon County, Wyoming, sits along the Union Pacific Railroad at an elevation of 6,834 feet, about 100 miles west of Laramie. Originally home to the Shoshone and Ute peoples, who utilized the area’s springs and grazing lands, the region saw significant change with European exploration in the 19th century. The Overland Trail, a major westward route, passed nearby, bringing fur trappers and settlers through the sagebrush plains.
Founded in 1868, Rawlins emerged as a key stop on the Union Pacific Railroad, named after General John Aaron Rawlins, a Civil War officer who camped in the area and praised its springs. The railroad’s arrival spurred rapid growth, with Rawlins serving as a supply hub for miners, ranchers, and travelers. By 1886, it was incorporated, and its selection as the county seat solidified its regional importance. The discovery of the Rawlins Springs, now a city landmark, provided vital water, supporting early settlement and livestock industries.
In the late 19th century, Rawlins thrived on ranching and mining. The surrounding hills yielded coal, which powered the railroad, while sheep and cattle ranching dominated the economy. The 1879 Rawlins House, a grand hotel, and the 1882 Carbon County Courthouse, now on the National Register of Historic Places, reflected the town’s prosperity. However, the harsh Wyoming winters and economic fluctuations, including the decline of coal, tested the community’s resilience.
The 20th century brought diversification. Oil and gas discoveries in the 1920s bolstered the economy, and the establishment of the Wyoming State Penitentiary in 1901 made Rawlins a center for state corrections, housing notable outlaws like Butch Cassidy. The penitentiary, now a museum, draws visitors with its Wild West history. The Great Depression hit hard, but New Deal projects, including infrastructure like U.S. Route 287, aided recovery. World War II further spurred growth with military supply demands.
Today, Rawlins, with a population of about 8,200, blends its rugged past with modern vitality. The Carbon County Museum showcases artifacts from its ranching and railroad heritage, while the Rawlins Uplift, a geological marvel, attracts outdoor enthusiasts for hiking and fossil hunting. Annual events like the Carbon County Fair celebrate local traditions. Despite challenges like economic shifts and harsh weather, Rawlins remains a resilient hub, its historic downtown and proximity to the Medicine Bow National Forest sustaining its appeal as a gateway to Wyoming’s high plains.
