Imagine the wagons forging the ruts of the Oregon Trail across these vast lands of Wyoming.
From 1812 to 1868, South Pass was the only passage through the Continental Divide for the pioneers, trappers, traders, missionaries and others traveling westward. Today, South Pass City is known for Wyoming's biggest gold boom and bust. The first mining claims were made in 1868 and by 1870...bust! In 1869 South Pass City was Wyoming Territory's second largest town with 3,000 people. Today, a state historic site, here's the sign.
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| I think they all live here! |
However, don't let the sign deceive you. In 1968 a group of Wyoming citizens purchased, and donated to the public, the remaining historic structures and since has been preserved as a frontier mining camp. The town today is exacly as it appeared a century ago--minus a few people of course! Today, South Pass City is Wyoming's second oldest incorporated town. Check it out...
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| South side of the street...structure farthest down the street was the Exchange Saloon & Card Room |
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| The cave...protects perishable food and liquor |
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| Stamp Mill crushed gold-bearing ore |
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| The days of gold! |
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| Nothings getting through that door...oh wait, it's open! |
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| Gotta love those recordkeepers! |
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| I'm so glad Aliner's have improved over the years! |
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| The Carissa Mine & Mill; open for tours Saturday & Sundays during summer by reservation only.
Although South Pass City experienced the loss of a way of life, a dedicated core decided it was too tough to die...long live SPC!!
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