Living in Natrona County

Wyoming’s plains are the historical home to many nomadic tribes including the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Shoshone and Sioux. Today, about 6,000 Shoshone and Arapaho continue to reside on the 2.3 million acre Wind River Reservation, northwest of Natrona County.

In 1812, John Jacob Astor established Astoria at the mouth of the Columbia and sent Robert Stuart east to start what was hoped to become a network of trading posts. Stuart found South Pass by following a Crow Indian trail and entered our region. Near Bessemer Bend, Stuart and his small band erected the first white man’s hut in 1812. Although Astor’s plans failed when the British captured Astoria in 1812, trappers and scouts continued to explore our high plains and develop transit routes. On July 4, 1824, some of these trappers named Independence Rock.

In 1840, Father Jean Pierre DeSmet began spreading the gospel among area Indians. Father DeSmet was the first to carve his name on Independence Rock and give it the name, “The Register of the Desert.” In 1843, John C. Fremont (known as “The Pathfinder”) chiseled his name on Independence Rock and later with Kit Carson as his guide, went on to explore the country along the Platte and Sweetwater Rivers.

Jan 19

[ARCHIVED] Upcoming Events

The original item was published from January 19, 2017 4:03 PM to June 22, 2020 2:23 PM

Mountain

Winter season is in full swing and there are many upcoming activities taking place on Casper Mountain.  A great resource for information is the Natrona County website, specifically the calendar.  On the weekend of January 28-29, please be aware there are several activities going on.  The sled dog races will take place utilizing a variety of trails specifically in and around Bear Trap meadow.  Additionally, the Cowboy State Games will hold their annual Winterfest/Cold Avenger Winter Triathlon events.  The triathlon will take place on several of the groomed trails associated with the Casper Nordic trail system.  Some of the trails may be temporarily closed for the triathlon so please be aware of additional people using the area.  There are miles of trails that will not be utilized by either activity so come on up and enjoy the mountain and even watch some great competition.


Grooming will continue with new snow expected the beginning of the week of January 23rd.  Conditions are excellent for cross country skiing, snow shoeing and fat-tire biking.


Lake

The 28th annual HAWG ice fishing derby will take place January 28-29, 2017 at Pathfinder reservoir.  It is sponsored by Pathfinder Marina and will be located at the Diabase Shelter.  Please see their website at http://www.pathfindermarina.com/hawg-derby/ for more information.