The history of Sundance is rooted in the era of the Wild West. The town was founded in the 1880s and received its unique name in honor of the "Sun Dance" ceremony traditionally performed by Indigenous peoples in the valley near the surrounding mountains. An official post office opened here in 1884, marking the beginning of the settlement's development as a full-fledged administrative unit.
Key Factors of Development
The transformation of a small trading post into a stable town was driven by several important circumstances:
Geography and Nature: Its location at the foot of the Bear Lodge Mountains provided protection from harsh winds and access to water resources, making the valley attractive to early settlers.
Administrative Status: By becoming the seat of Crook County, the town attracted government institutions, lawyers, and merchants who sought to be close to the region's center of business activity.
Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics
In its first decades, the economy of Sundance relied primarily on ranching and agriculture, typical for the state of Wyoming. The town served as a vital trade and logistics hub for ranchers working in the surrounding valleys.
A special place in cultural history is held by the figure of Harry Longabaugh. It was here, in the local jail, that he served a sentence for horse theft, after which he adopted the famous alias the Sundance Kid. This historical episode forever etched the small town's name into the legends of the American frontier.
Timeline
Founding and the Wild West Era
1875 — A trading post is established in the Bear Lodge Mountains valley, serving as the predecessor to the future town.
1879 — Albert Hogg officially designs the settlement plan and names it Sundance.
1884 — The post office opens, marking population growth and infrastructure development.
1885 — Sundance is chosen as the county seat of the newly formed Crook County.
1887 — The town is officially incorporated, the first city council is formed, and officials are elected.
1887–1889 — Harry Longabaugh serves time in the local jail, where he acquires his famous nickname, "the Sundance Kid."
20th Century Development
1906 — President Theodore Roosevelt declares nearby Devils Tower as the first U.S. National Monument, attracting the first tourists.
1923 — Construction of the "Old Stoney" school building from local sandstone is completed, becoming an architectural landmark.
1930s — The development of the road network and highway construction connects the town to major tourist routes.
1972 — The Crook County Museum is founded to preserve the region's rich historical heritage.
1985 — The historic "Old Stoney" school building is added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
The Modern Era
2021 — Completion of the extensive restoration of "Old Stoney" and the relocation of the Crook County Museum exhibits into the building.
Milestones
Key Stages in the Founding and Development of Sundance
The town's growth was determined by its strategic location, its Wild West heritage, and its proximity to natural wonders. Below are the key moments that shaped the modern face of Sundance.
Naming as County Seat (1885). Choosing Sundance as the capital of Crook County laid the foundation for its economy. This decision drew lawyers, officials, and businesspeople to the town, ensuring stability and a steady population influx, unlike many temporary prospector settlements.
Establishment of a Historic Brand (1887). The imprisonment of Harry Longabaugh (the Sundance Kid) became a turning point for the town's cultural identity. Decades later, this fact evolved into a primary marketing asset, attracting Wild West history buffs from around the world.
Opening Access to Devils Tower (1906). Designating the nearby rock formation as the first National Monument in the U.S. reoriented the town's economy. Sundance became a vital transit hub and overnight stop for tourists, stimulating the growth of the hospitality and service sectors.
Architectural Legacy of "Old Stoney" (1923). The construction of the school using local sandstone was a major urban planning milestone. The building not only met the educational needs of the time but also set the town's architectural style, becoming its visual symbol.
Integration into the Highway Network (mid-20th century). Connecting to the interstate system (specifically I-90) ended the town's isolation. This provided year-round access for tourists and simplified logistics for local ranchers, strengthening trade ties with neighboring states.
Revitalization of the Historic Center (21st century). The extensive renovation of the "Old Stoney" building and its transformation into a cultural center and museum marked the shift toward an experience-based economy. The town invested in preserving its history to remain a competitive tourist destination.
Architecture
Architectural Style and Urban Planning
The architecture of Sundance is a vivid reflection of the history of the American West. The town's urban development followed the classic pattern of small Wyoming settlements: evolving from the haphazard construction of the early pioneer days to a structured street grid with a defined commercial center.
Main Styles and Eras
The town's appearance is dominated by the restraint and functionality characteristic of the region. European styles like Gothic or Baroque are absent here; instead, styles typical of the American heartland prevail.
Frontier Vernacular Architecture (late 19th century). Early construction was characterized by the use of wood and simple designs. A striking example is the Western False Front — an architectural technique where a tall, rectangular facade was added to a simple gabled-roof building to create the illusion of a larger, more imposing urban structure.
Stone Rustic (early 20th century). As construction shifted toward more permanent structures, local natural stone began to be actively used. This period was marked by the erection of public buildings designed to demonstrate the stability and longevity of the local government.
American Functionalism (mid to late 20th century). The rise of automobile tourism and the construction of the interstate highway brought utilitarian structures to the town: motels, gas stations, and modern administrative buildings made of concrete and brick.
Iconic Buildings and Urban Elements
The architectural landscape of Sundance is shaped by several key landmarks that define its visual identity:
"Old Stoney." The town's definitive architectural centerpiece. Built from hewn local sandstone quarried in a nearby canyon, its massive stone walls and austere proportions are a benchmark of 1920s local stone masonry, blending the public style of the era with a rugged Wild West aesthetic.
Main Street Commercial Buildings. The historic downtown has preserved its turn-of-the-century atmosphere. One- and two-story brick buildings, traditionally housing shops, cafes, and administrative offices, predominate here. Maintaining the historic appearance of these facades is crucial to the town's appeal as a tourist destination.
Crook County Courthouse. Although built in a later period, the modern courthouse continues the tradition of using durable materials, emphasizing Sundance's status as an administrative hub.
Notable People
Prominent Figures Associated with the Town
The history of Sundance is closely intertwined with the lives of people who not only shaped the town's character but also left a significant mark on the history of the American West. Below are the key figures whose names are synonymous with this region.
Harry Longabaugh, alias the "Sundance Kid" Legendary outlaw and member of the "Wild Bunch"
The most famous figure associated with the town. It was here in 1887 that he spent 18 months in jail for stealing a horse. This prison term was a turning point in his life: upon his release, he adopted the pseudonym "Sundance Kid," under which he entered world history as Butch Cassidy's partner.
Albert Hogg Town founder and first mayor
A key figure in the establishment of the settlement. In 1879, he designed the town plot and gave it its name. Hogg played a decisive role in organizing local government and transforming a trading post into the administrative center of Crook County.
James Ryan Crook County Sheriff
A lawman of the frontier era. He was known for maintaining law and order during the town's rugged early years. It was during his tenure that Harry Longabaugh was held in the local jail, and Ryan was responsible for guarding the future legendary outlaw.
Nels H. Smith 18th Governor of Wyoming (1939–1943)
A prominent political figure and successful rancher. Before being elected governor, Smith lived and worked near Sundance, managing a large ranch. His efforts contributed to the development of the region's infrastructure and road network in the mid-20th century.
Theodore Roosevelt 26th President of the United States
Although Roosevelt never lived in the town itself, his 1906 decision to declare the nearby Devils Tower as America's first National Monument forever changed the fate of Sundance. This decree transformed the quiet administrative center into the gateway to one of the country's premier natural landmarks.