Albany County, located in southeastern Wyoming, has a rich history shaped by Native American heritage, frontier exploration, and the expansion of the Union Pacific Railroad. Established in 1868, Albany County became a center of western settlement, ranching, mining, and education, with Laramie serving as its county seat. As home to the University of Wyoming, established in 1886, the county has played a vital role in the state’s development. Today, Albany County continues to attract residents and visitors with its scenic beauty, historical landmarks, and vibrant community.
Origins and Key Historical Events
Indigenous Inhabitants and Early Exploration
Before European settlement, Albany County’s land was home to several Native American tribes, including the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Shoshone. These tribes traveled through the region following bison herds, gathering along rivers and in the plains for hunting and gathering. The area’s abundant resources and open spaces made it an ideal location for indigenous communities, and evidence of their presence can be seen in artifacts, petroglyphs, and ceremonial sites across the county.
European exploration began in the early 19th century, when trappers and traders ventured into the region. The famous Oregon Trail passed through southeastern Wyoming, bringing an influx of pioneers by the 1840s. Explorers like John C. Frémont mapped parts of the region, helping to open up the West and increase interest in settling the area.
Founding of Albany County and the Influence of the Union Pacific Railroad
Albany County was officially established on December 16, 1868, named after Albany, New York, in honor of the birthplace of one of the area’s founders. Its creation coincided with the arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad, a transformative event for the entire region. The railroad brought workers, settlers, and resources, helping to establish Laramie as a key location along the transcontinental line. By 1869, Laramie was a bustling railroad town, attracting pioneers, merchants, and lawmen alike.
The arrival of the railroad also brought conflict, as Native American tribes resisted the encroachment of settlers on their traditional lands. This led to skirmishes and battles across Wyoming, including the well-known Fetterman Fight and Red Cloud’s War, which occurred in nearby regions. However, with increasing settlement and military presence, Native tribes were gradually pushed onto reservations, allowing further expansion into Albany County.
Laramie: A Lawless Town Turned Educational Center
In its early days, Laramie earned a reputation as a rowdy frontier town. With a rapidly growing population of railroad workers, miners, and frontiersmen, the town saw frequent violence, saloon brawls, and lawlessness. To restore order, prominent citizens organized law enforcement, and with time, Laramie transformed from a “wild west” town into a center for education and commerce.
A major turning point came in 1886 when the University of Wyoming was founded in Laramie, marking Albany County as an educational and cultural hub. The university not only attracted students from across the region but also contributed to the county’s economy, spurring growth and stability. As Wyoming’s only four-year institution, the University of Wyoming remains a pillar of education and research in the state.
Economic Growth Through Ranching, Mining, and Forestry
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Albany County’s economy diversified with the development of cattle ranching, sheep farming, and mining. Ranching became a major industry, with large cattle drives passing through the area and helping to establish the county as a livestock center. Sheep farming also gained importance, particularly during the early 1900s, when wool became a valuable commodity.
Mining, particularly for coal and uranium, contributed to Albany County’s economic base. While coal mining experienced periods of boom and bust, it provided jobs and helped supply the growing railroads. Forestry also played a role in the county’s economy, with timber harvested from the Medicine Bow National Forest used for construction, railroad ties, and other industries.
Tourism and Conservation Efforts
In the 20th century, Albany County became increasingly focused on conservation and tourism. The Medicine Bow National Forest, established in 1902, covers a significant part of the county, attracting visitors for hiking, camping, and scenic drives. With the development of outdoor recreation, Albany County became a popular destination for nature lovers, hunters, and anglers. Snowy Range Scenic Byway and Vedauwoo Recreation Area, with its unique rock formations, are among the county’s most visited areas.
Efforts to preserve these natural landscapes have led to conservation initiatives that protect wildlife and habitats while promoting sustainable tourism. Today, Albany County continues to balance its economic growth with environmental stewardship, making it an inviting destination for residents and visitors alike.
Historical Sites in Albany County
Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site
Overview
The Wyoming Territorial Prison, built in 1872, is one of Albany County’s most famous historical landmarks. Known for housing notorious outlaws like Butch Cassidy, the prison provides a fascinating glimpse into Wyoming’s early days as a frontier territory. The prison has been preserved as a state historic site and includes a museum, interpretive exhibits, and restored prison cells. Visitors can explore the prison grounds, learn about the lives of inmates, and understand the challenges of law enforcement during Wyoming’s territorial period.
Location
975 Snowy Range Rd, Laramie, WY 82070
Ticket Price
Admission is $9 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12, and free for children under 6.
Parking Information
Free parking is available on-site, with spaces for both cars and RVs.
University of Wyoming Historic District
Overview
The University of Wyoming Historic District highlights the architectural and educational history of the state’s only public university, established in 1886. Key buildings within the district include Old Main, the first building on campus, as well as the Geological Museum, which houses dinosaur fossils and prehistoric artifacts. Guided tours of the historic campus and special events allow visitors to explore the university’s legacy and its contributions to Wyoming’s culture and education.
Location
1000 E University Ave, Laramie, WY 82071
Ticket Price
Free admission for self-guided tours; special events may have separate fees.
Parking Information
Visitor parking is available on campus, with designated areas near the main historic buildings.
Medicine Bow National Forest
Overview
Medicine Bow National Forest, established in 1902, spans parts of Albany County and is a popular destination for outdoor activities. The forest’s Snowy Range features stunning mountain landscapes, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Notable attractions within the forest include the Snowy Range Scenic Byway and Mirror Lake, a prime fishing and picnic spot. With trails, campgrounds, and observation areas, Medicine Bow offers visitors a chance to enjoy Wyoming’s natural beauty while learning about the region’s conservation history.
Location
Forest spans multiple entry points in Albany County; Snowy Range Scenic Byway starts near Centennial, WY.
Ticket Price
Access to the forest is free, but some campsites and facilities may have usage fees.
Parking Information
Parking is available at designated trailheads, campsites, and scenic overlooks throughout the forest.
Laramie Plains Museum at the Historic Ivinson Mansion
Overview
The Laramie Plains Museum, housed in the historic Ivinson Mansion, is a beautifully preserved Victorian mansion that showcases the history of early Laramie and Albany County. Built in 1892, the mansion displays period furnishings, artifacts, and exhibits on pioneer life, ranching, and the development of the city. Guided tours provide insights into the lives of early settlers and the role of the Ivinson family in Wyoming’s history.
Location
603 Ivinson Ave, Laramie, WY 82070
Ticket Price
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12, and free for children under 6.
Parking Information
Free parking is available on-site, with street parking also available nearby.
Vedauwoo Recreation Area
Overview
Vedauwoo, located in Medicine Bow National Forest, is a unique geological area known for its towering rock formations, popular with climbers, hikers, and photographers. The name “Vedauwoo” comes from an Arapaho word meaning “earth-born,” reflecting the cultural importance of this site to Native American tribes. Visitors can explore hiking trails, picnic areas, and observation points while enjoying the area’s stunning natural beauty. Vedauwoo is also an ideal place for wildlife watching, with frequent sightings of deer, elk, and eagles.
Location
Vedauwoo Glen Rd, Buford, WY 82052 (near I-80, exit 329)
Ticket Price
Free admission, though there may be parking fees at certain locations.
Parking Information
Parking is available at trailheads and picnic areas, with additional parking for larger vehicles.
County Facts
Geography and Climate
Albany County is situated in southeastern Wyoming and covers a diverse landscape, from the rolling Laramie Plains to the rugged peaks of the Snowy Range in the Medicine Bow Mountains. The county’s elevation ranges from about 6,000 feet in the plains to over 12,000 feet in the mountains, contributing to a variety of ecosystems and climate zones. The climate is semi-arid, with cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers. Laramie, the county seat, has average winter temperatures around 25°F and summer highs reaching 80°F, with relatively low humidity. The combination of high elevation and open terrain creates a unique climate and scenery that define Albany County.
Key Facts
- Year Founded: 1868
- County Seat: Laramie
- Population: Approximately 38,880 (latest census)
- Population Density: 13 people per square mile
- Largest Cities: Laramie (only incorporated city)
- Major Highways: Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 287, Wyoming Highway 230
- Adjacent Counties: Converse County (north), Platte County (northeast), Laramie County (east), Carbon County (west), and Weld County, Colorado (south)