History of Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA

On August 8, 1867, the first charter for the government of the City of Cheyenne was established.

www.cheyennecity.org

1870 - The first sexually integrated grand jury hears cases in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
The chief justice stops a motion to prohibit the integration of the jury, stating: “It seems to be eminently proper for women to sit upon Grand Juries, which will give them the best possible opportunities to aid in suppressing the dens of infamy which curse the country.”
nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org

January 9, 1875 - The temperature at Cheyenne, WY, dipped to an all-time record cold reading of -38 degrees.

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1882 - Cheyenne had its street brightened by Thomas Edison's incandescent street lights.

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1882 - July 9 - Ice formed on the streets of Cheyenne, WY, during a rare summer freeze.

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July 9, 1882

1889 - A Chinaman named Yet Sing established a wash house over a boiling spring at Cheyenne, W. T.
The slumbering geyser burst forth on the 2d, spouting water over a hundred feet, and the tent in which the Chinamen were sleeping at the time was blown to pieces and the four celestials were killed.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
February 9, 1889

1889 - Francis E. Warren was inaugurated Governor of Wyoming on the 9th, at Cheyenne, with military and civic honors.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
April 13, 1889

1892 - FROZE ON THE PLAINS. JOHN PIERCE AND SON OF WYOMING DIED IN THE BLIZZARD.
Cheyenne, Wyo., Oct. 22. - [Special to Tribune] - The first report on the loss of life during the great blizzard of ten days ago came in this evening. JOHN PIERCE, a horse raiser, and his son, a lad of 7, perished on the prairie about fifty miles from this city. PIERCE with the boy undertook a trip of ten miles on the 13th. They stopped at a ranch and rested for an hour, and then struck into the hills and haven't been seen since. Both saddle-horses were found today, one dead and the other almost a skeleton. PIERCE was a member of the Cheyenne Lodge of the A.O.U.W., and his brothers have sent out a searching party and are caring for the family of the missing men.
Salt Lake Tribune
Salt Lake City, Utah
October 23, 1892

1895 - Cheyenne
Cheyenne, the capital of Wyoming, and of Laramie co., is on the eastern slope of the Laramie range of mountains, 6000 feet above the level of the sea. It is on the Union Pacific Railroad at its junction with the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad system, 106 miles N. of Denver, 516 miles W. of Omaha, and 513 miles E. of Ogden. Lat. 41°12' N.; Lon. 104° 42' W. Coal or lignite and iron are found near this town. It contains 10 churches, 2 national banks, 1 other bank, and the workshops of the Union Pacific Railroad Company. Three daily and 2 weekly news papers are issued here. Pop. in 1890, 11,690.

1912 - CROWD IN PANIC WHEN CIRCUS TENT FALLS - YANKEE ROBINSON CIRCUS TENT BLOWN DOWN IN STORM AT CHEYENNE, WYO. - THIRTY SPECTATORS ARE HURT
Over 1,500 People Pinned Beneath the Tent and Panic Ensues - Physicians Say None of the Injured Will Die From Their Hurts

By United Press

Cheyenne, Wyo., July 14 - The doctors today say that none of the thirty persons injured when the tent of the Yankee Robinson show blew down last night, will die.

Over 1,500 people were in the tent last night, when a storm blew it down, pinning the spectators underneath. A high wind, accompanied by rain and lightning sprung up suddenly after the crowd gathered, and scenes of indescribably panic caused as the people were imprisoned beneath the big tent. It was during the frenzied efforts of the people to escape from the enfolding tent that many of them were injured.
Aberdeen Daily News
Aberdeen, South Dakota
July 13, 1912

1916
Cheyenne, the capital of Wyoming and of Laramie co., is on the eastern slope of the Laramie range of mountains, 6050 feet above the level of the sea. It is on the Union Pacific and other railroads, 106 miles N. of Denver, Colo. Coal (lignite) and iron are found near this town, which contains the state capitol, a soldiers' and sailors' home, theatre, and the workshops of the Union Pacific R. Co. It is one of the chief cattle centres of the West. Pop. in 1890, 11,690 ; in 1900, 14,087.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

1930 - May 15 - Ellen Church becomes 1st airline stewardess, United (SF to Cheyenne)

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1947 - May 29 - Cheyenne WY reported a morning low of 16 above zero.

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1953 - Engineer, Fireman Run Down in Yards
A Union Pacific railroad engineer and fireman were run over and killed by an engine in the railroad's freight yards here this morning.

The Union Pacific said the two men, Jack L. Connelly, 36, engineer, and Carl Dean Erickson, 26-year-old fireman, both of Cheyenne, were leaving the roundhouse to board their engine for a scheduled run and failed to see the other engine approaching as they walked down the tracks.

Engineer D. B. Miller was backing his engine down the track and apparently did not see the two men. County Coroner Robert Grace said that both men died instantly.

Grace said an inquest has been tentatively planned for Tuesday evening.

Funeral arrangements for both men are being handled by Weiderspahn and Grace mortuary of Cheyenne and are incomplete.

Erickson, resident of Cheyenne for nearly five years, lived at 606 East 3rd. Born in Westville, OK, he attended LaPorte High School near Ft. Collins, CO. He served with the armed forces from 1945 to 1948 stationed in ... Read MORE...

1979 - November 19-21 - A blizzard struck Cheyenne, WY, producing a record 19.8 inches of snow in 24 hours, and a record total of 25.6 inches in forty hours. Strong winds created huge drifts stopping all transportation.

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2023 - Whether you're into history, outdoor activities, or just want to soak in the local atmosphere, here's a list of places to go and things to do in Cheyenne:
Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum: Dive into Cheyenne's rich cowboy and rodeo history at this museum. It's a great place to learn about the Old West and how Cheyenne played a significant role.

Wyoming State Capitol: Don't miss the chance to visit the Capitol building. It's not only a stunning piece of architecture but also holds a lot of Wyoming's political history.

Terry Bison Ranch: Head to this unique ranch for an authentic Western experience. You can take a train tour to see bison up close, go horseback riding, and even enjoy a delicious bison burger.

Cheyenne Depot Museum: This historic train depot has been transformed into a museum. Explore the exhibits to discover the role of the railroad in Cheyenne's development.

Botanic Gardens: For a relaxing day, visit the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens. It's a beautiful place to stroll through various gardens, including a rose garden and a children's garden.

Cheyenne Big Boots: Take a walking tour to find the "Big Boots"... Read MORE...