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.

Jun 22

[ARCHIVED] Advisory Board for Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services Special Meeting

The original item was published from June 12, 2020 3:22 PM to June 22, 2020 3:56 PM

There will be a Special Called meeting Monday June 15th at 10:30 AM at the Natrona County Courthouse. This meeting will be for the purpose of reviewing the Bridle Trail Improvement plan. Matt Williams  of   WLC Engineering will give a presentation about the proposed improvement and reengineering plan.  After their presentation, there will be a time for public commenting. Public Commenting will be limited to 3 minute per individual. We encourage any members of the public that attend to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing.  Social Distancing markings will be provided.

Use the front doors off Center St. to access the meeting.

For Further questions please contact Tim Petrea.