Laramie history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the city of Laramie is inextricably linked to the era of the Wild West and the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad. The official birth of the city dates back to 1868, when the Union Pacific tracks reached this area. The city was named in honour of the French-Canadian trapper Jacques La Ramee, who explored this region in the early 1820s and became a local legend.

Key Factors of Development

The rapid evolution of Laramie from a temporary camp into a permanent settlement was driven by a strategic combination of geography and logistics:

• Railroad Hub: The arrival of the Union Pacific station made the city the main transport hub of the region, through which supplies of materials and food flowed.
• Fort Sanders: Located just a few miles to the south, this military garrison ensured the safety of early settlers and contributed to economic stability.
• Geographic Location: Its position on the plains between the Medicine Bow and Laramie Range mountain chains created a natural corridor for travellers and traders.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Initially, Laramie had a reputation as a "Hell on Wheels" town with a rowdy nature characteristic of the frontier. However, residents quickly moved to establish order. The early economy was built not only on servicing the railroad but also on cattle ranching, which flourished on the vast pastures around the city.

An important milestone in cultural history was the opening of the University of Wyoming in 1886, which forever secured Laramie's status as an educational centre. Furthermore, the city entered world history thanks to its progressive views: it was here in 1870 that Louisa Swain became the first woman in the world to legally vote in a general election in a democratic state.

Major Historical Milestones

• Early 1820s: French trapper Jacques La Ramee explores the region, and his name is subsequently attached to the river, mountain range, and city.
• 1866: Fort Sanders is founded a few miles south of the future city to protect the Transcontinental Railroad route.
• 1868: The first Union Pacific train arrives in Laramie, and active land sales begin.
• 1870: Louisa Swain becomes the first woman in the world to legally vote in a general election, cementing the city's status as a centre for equality.
• March 1870: For the first time in history, women are invited to serve on a grand jury.
• 1872: Construction of the Wyoming Territorial Prison is completed, where the famous outlaw Butch Cassidy was later held.
• 1873: Laramie officially receives city status, establishing its governance structure.
• 1886: The Territorial Legislature decides to found the University of Wyoming.
• September 1887: The University opens its doors to its first 42 students in the Old Main building.
• 1892: The Edward Ivinson Mansion is built, considered today to be the architectural jewel of the city.
• 1900s: The city actively develops as a centre for cattle ranching and mining.
• 1972: The Laramie Plains Museum opens in the historic Ivinson Mansion, preserving the heritage of the region.
• 1990: The Wyoming Territorial Prison complex is repurposed into a state historic park and museum.

Stages of City Transformation

Laramie's development is a journey from a tent camp by the railroad to the intellectual and cultural centre of the state. Several key events stand out that defined the modern appearance and economy of the city:

• Arrival of Union Pacific (1868)
  The construction of the transcontinental railroad was the city-forming factor. It turned the territory into a crucial logistical hub, ensuring an influx of population and goods, which allowed the city to instantly become the economic centre of the region.
• Experiment with Equality (1870)
  The events of 1870, when women first received the right to vote and participate in court, formed Laramie's unique cultural code. This attracted the attention of the global community and secured the city's reputation as a progressive community open to innovation.
• Founding of the University of Wyoming (1886)
  The decision to place the state's only university here radically changed the vector of development. From a raw material and ranching economy, the city transitioned to a knowledge economy, gaining the status of the "Athens of Wyoming" and a constant influx of youth and specialists.
• Construction of the Lincoln Highway (1913)
  The inclusion of Laramie in the route of the first transcontinental highway in the USA stimulated the development of tourism infrastructure. Motels, petrol stations, and restaurants appeared in the city, which changed the urban plan and revitalized small businesses.
• Launch of Cement Production (1920s)
  The opening of the Monolith Portland Midwest Company plant marked the stage of industrialization. The enterprise became one of the largest employers for many years, ensuring the city's economic stability even during agricultural crises.
• Construction of the I-80 Highway (1960s)
  The new federal highway passing through Laramie definitively secured its role as a transport corridor of national importance. This simplified tourist access to mountain resorts and strengthened commercial ties with neighbouring states.

Architectural Evolution and Urban Planning

The appearance of Laramie is a visual chronicle of the transformation from a spontaneous camp by the railroad into a respectable university city. The urban structure is clearly divided into the historic commercial centre oriented towards the railway tracks, residential quarters of the Victorian era, and the monumental university campus.

Era of Prosperity: Victorian Style (1870–1900s)

The period of the local elite's rise, consisting of bankers and cattle barons, coincided with the popularity of Victorian architecture. Buildings of this time were intended to demonstrate wealth and a rejection of the temporary wooden structures of the frontier.

• Ivinson Mansion: The main architectural landmark of the residential area. The building is designed in an eclectic style with elements inherent to the Queen Anne style: complex roof geometry, turrets, wide verandas, and an abundance of decorative details.
• Residential Quarters: In the "Old Town," houses have been preserved with characteristic carved elements and bay windows, reflecting the fashion of the late 19th century.

The Stone Age of Science: Romanesque Style and Neo-Gothic

The founding of the University of Wyoming in 1886 brought monumentality to the city. Local sandstone was used for construction, which became the hallmark of Laramie's architectural appearance.

• Old Main: The first and most recognizable building of the university. Built in the style of Romanesque Revival (Richardson Romanesque). Its massive walls of rough-hewn stone and arched windows symbolize the strength of knowledge and the longevity of the institution.
• Campus: Subsequent development of the university town continued the traditions of using natural stone, evolving towards the so-called "Collegiate Gothic," characteristic of US academic buildings in the early 20th century.

Commercial Development and Neo-Gothic

The historic city centre (Downtown) was formed as a trading hub. Dense brick development dominates here, characteristic of American cities in the Midwest.

• Commercial Style: Buildings along the main streets are often designed in the Italianate style with tall windows and decorative cornices. Facades are often adorned with cast iron and brick ornamentation.
• St. Matthew's Cathedral: An outstanding example of Neo-Gothic. The strict silhouette with a spire and lancet windows contrasts with the horizontal line of commercial development, creating an important vertical accent in the city panorama.

Prominent Figures in the City's History

Laramie became home or an important stage in the lives of many people who left a mark on the history of the Wild West, science, and culture. Here are the key figures associated with the city:

• Jacques La Ramee
  Legendary pioneer and trapper
  A French-Canadian explorer of the early 19th century, whose activities in this region led to a river, a mountain range, a fort, and eventually the city itself being named after him. Although he died before the settlement was founded, his name became a symbol of the area.
• Louisa Swain
  Symbol of women's suffrage
  An ordinary housewife who, on September 6, 1870, went down in history as the first woman in the world to legally vote in a general election in a democratic state. This event took place specifically in Laramie, securing the city's status as a centre for equality.
• Butch Cassidy (Robert LeRoy Parker)
  Famous outlaw of the Wild West
  The leader of the "Wild Bunch" gang spent 18 months in the Wyoming Territorial Prison in Laramie (1894–1896). This was the only correctional facility where the legendary robber officially served a sentence, which makes the prison a popular tourist attraction.
• Edward Ivinson
  Banker, philanthropist, and "Father of the City"
  Arriving in Laramie as one of the first settlers, he made a fortune in banking and trade. Ivinson financed the construction of a hospital and a cathedral, and donated his luxurious mansion to the city, which is today a museum and a centre of cultural life.
• Grace Raymond Hebard
  Historian, cartographer, and educator
  An influential figure at the University of Wyoming in the early 20th century. She was the first female member of the university's Board of Trustees and was actively involved in preserving the state's history and marking historical trails (the Oregon and Mormon Trails).
• Samuel H. Knight
  Geologist and professor ("Mr. Geology")
  A distinguished scientist who turned the local university's geology department into one of the best in the country. He founded a science camp in the Medicine Bow Mountains and personally created the famous copper Tyrannosaurus statue that greets visitors to the geological museum.
• Curt Gowdy
  Sports commentator
  A Wyoming native and graduate of the University in Laramie who became the "voice" of American sports (baseball and football) in the second half of the 20th century. A state park located between Laramie and Cheyenne is named in his honour.