Cheyenne history

Birth of the "Magic City"

The history of Cheyenne is inextricably linked to the era of the Wild West exploration and the construction of the first transcontinental railroad. The city was officially founded on 4 July 1867 by General Grenville Dodge, the chief engineer of the Union Pacific Railroad. The settlement was named in honour of the indigenous Cheyenne people who historically inhabited these lands.

Key Factors of Formation

• Railway Hub: Cheyenne emerged specifically as a strategic point on the Union Pacific route. The arrival of trains provided immediate access to goods and markets in both the Eastern and Western United States.
• Military Presence: Almost simultaneously with the city, Fort D.A. Russell (modern-day Francis E. Warren Air Force Base) was established to protect workers and settlers, ensuring the safety and economic stability of the region.
• Geography: Its location on the banks of Crow Creek, at the foot of the Laramie Mountains, made the city an ideal staging post before the difficult mountainous section of the journey.

Early Culture and Economy

Cheyenne earned the famous nickname "Magic City of the Plains" due to the phenomenal speed of its growth. Literally within a few months, a city with a population of several thousand people rose upon the desolate plateau.

In the early years, the city's economy and culture were shaped by two forces: the railway and the burgeoning cattle industry. Cheyenne quickly transformed from a tent camp into a wealthy trade centre, where alongside saloons and gaming houses, the luxurious mansions of "cattle barons" were built, blending the spirit of the frontier with Victorian luxury.

Chronology of Cheyenne's Development

• 1867: General Grenville Dodge selected the site for the city's foundation, which became a key point for the Union Pacific Railroad.
• 1868: Cheyenne received official city status, developing rapidly thanks to rail connections and trade.
• 1869: The city was proclaimed the capital of the newly formed Wyoming Territory.
• 1880: Foundation of the elite Cheyenne Club, which became a symbol of the wealth and influence of local cattlemen.
• 1887: The first stone was laid for the foundation of the Wyoming State Capitol, built in the Renaissance Revival style.
• 1890: Wyoming became the 44th US state, and Cheyenne officially secured its status as the state capital.
• 1897: The first Cheyenne Frontier Days festival took place, known today as the world's largest outdoor rodeo.
• 1913: The Lincoln Highway passed through the city — the first road connecting the East and West coasts of the USA for automobiles.
• 1930: Construction of a new airport terminal was completed, making Cheyenne an important centre for airmail and passenger transport.
• 1949: The historic Fort D.A. Russell was officially renamed Francis E. Warren Air Force Base.
• 1974: The city centre and the Governors' Mansion were included in the US National Register of Historic Places.
• 2019: Grand opening of the State Capitol following a massive restoration that returned the building to its historic splendour.

Development Milestones: From Frontier to Technology

Cheyenne's evolution is a journey from a temporary railway workers' camp to a modern administrative and technological hub. Below are the key stages that defined the city's economic and cultural landscape:

• Era of the "Cattle Barons" (1870–1880s). During this period, Cheyenne was considered one of the wealthiest cities in the world in terms of income per capita. Major cattlemen built luxurious Victorian mansions and invested in the urban environment, transforming a "wild" settlement into a civilised centre with an opera house, telephony, and electric lighting.
• Political Consolidation (1890). Wyoming's admission to the Union as the 44th state officially cemented Cheyenne's status as the capital. The construction of the monumental Capitol and the concentration of government institutions provided the city with administrative stability that helped it weather economic crises.
• Cultural Branding (from 1897). The launch of the Cheyenne Frontier Days festival became a turning point for the tourism industry. The celebration not only preserved the identity of the Wild West amidst industrialisation but also became the main economic driver of the summer season, earning the status of the "Daddy of 'em All".
• Aviation Breakthrough (1920–1930s). The city successfully adapted to the aviation era, becoming a strategic hub for transcontinental airmail. The placement of Boeing Air Transport (the future United Airlines) maintenance bases here gave impetus to the development of engineering and transport infrastructure.
• Military-Strategic Transformation (Mid-20th Century). The transformation of the old cavalry fort into the Francis E. Warren Air Force Base changed the city's demographics and economy. Becoming a control centre for intercontinental ballistic missiles, the base ensured a constant flow of federal investment and highly qualified specialists.
• Digital Era (21st Century). In recent decades, Cheyenne has set a course for economic diversification. The construction of Microsoft data centres and the opening of the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center marked the city's transition from raw material and agrarian dependence to high technologies.

Architectural Appearance: From Frontier to Capital

The architecture of Cheyenne is a visual history of the transformation from a temporary railway camp to a thriving state capital. The city's urban structure was initially dictated by Union Pacific engineers: streets were laid out in a strict grid oriented relative to the railway tracks rather than the cardinal directions. This planning principle has been preserved in the historic centre to this day.

Eras and Styles

The city's appearance was formed by waves of economic growth, each bringing its own architectural trends. Key stylistic directions include:

• Richardson Romanesque (Late 19th Century). This style, symbolising reliability and power, dominated the construction of key public buildings. A prime example is the Union Pacific Depot, built from local sandstone. Its massive clock tower and arched openings became the city's calling card.
• Victorian Eclecticism (1880–1900s). The era of the "cattle barons" gifted the city with luxurious residential developments. Wealthy cattlemen built mansions, mixing elements of Queen Anne, Italianate, and Gothic styles: complex roofs, turrets, stained glass, and an abundance of decorative details.
• Renaissance and Neoclassicism (Late 19th – Early 20th Century). With the affirmation of its capital status, monumental administrative buildings appeared in Cheyenne. The Wyoming State Capitol is a classic example of Renaissance Revival, emulating the Capitol in Washington, intended to emphasise political stability and the importance of the law.
• Mid-Century Modern (Mid-20th Century). Post-war growth and the development of the military base brought functional architecture to the city, characteristic of American suburbs and administrative centres of that time.

Landmark Buildings and Districts

For a traveller interested in architecture, the key points of attraction will be:

• Historic Downtown: A well-preserved ensemble of brick commercial buildings, where ground floors were traditionally occupied by shops and saloons. Facades are often decorated with ornamental masonry and cornices.
• Rainsford Historic District: A residential quarter east of the centre, where a high concentration of wooden and brick mansions from the Victorian era has been preserved.
• Historic Governors' Mansion: An elegant Colonial-style building that served as the residence of state leaders throughout most of the 20th century.
• St. Mary's Cathedral: A majestic example of Neo-Gothic architecture, built from rough stone, giving it a stern yet solemn appearance.

Prominent Personalities of Cheyenne

Cheyenne's history is rich with names that influenced not only the development of the city and the state of Wyoming but also left a significant mark on US history. From Wild West legends to pioneers in politics, here is a list of key figures associated with this city.

• Grenville M. Dodge
  Union Army General, Chief Engineer of Union Pacific
  The de facto founder of the city. It was Dodge who, in 1867, selected the intersection point of Crow Creek and the railway line to create the terminal that subsequently became Cheyenne. His engineering decisions defined the planning and future prosperity of the city.
• Francis E. Warren
  First Governor of Wyoming, US Senator
  One of the most influential politicians in the state's history. Warren was the city mayor, the first governor of the state of Wyoming, and a long-serving member of the US Senate. Thanks to his efforts, the military presence in the city was preserved and expanded; the former Fort D.A. Russell now bears his name (Francis E. Warren Air Force Base).
• Nellie Tayloe Ross
  Politician, Governor of Wyoming
  She went down in history as the first woman in the USA to hold the post of state governor (1925–1927). She lived and worked in Cheyenne, governing the state from the Capitol and residing in the Governors' Mansion. Later, she became the first female Director of the US Mint.
• Joseph M. Carey
  Cattleman, Mayor of Cheyenne, Senator and Governor
  A key figure of the "cattle barons" era. Carey played an important role in the passing of the Carey Act, which promoted irrigation and the settlement of the arid lands of the West. He was an active developer and patron of the city.
• Tom Horn
  Scout, Pinkerton Detective, Hired Gunman
  A controversial legend of the Wild West. Horn worked for major Wyoming cattlemen, protecting their herds. His life ended in Cheyenne: he was accused of murder and hanged in 1903. His trial and execution became one of the most high-profile events in the city's history.
• Willis Van Devanter
  Lawyer, US Supreme Court Justice
  He began his legal career in Cheyenne, where he represented the interests of the railway and cattlemen. Later, he became the first and only representative of Wyoming in the US Supreme Court, serving there for more than 25 years.
• Curt Gowdy
  Sportscaster
  A native of Cheyenne who became a legendary "voice" of American sports. He commented on Super Bowls, World Series baseball, and the Olympic Games. A state park (Curt Gowdy State Park), located near the city, is named in his honour.