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Rock Springs, Wyoming
Population: 18,708
Located in Sweetwater County
Rock Springs is the largest city in Sweetwater County and the fourth largest city in Wyoming. Founded in 1868 with the coming of the Union Pacific Railroad, the town grew to become one of the most significant coal mining centers in the western United States. While remembering its past as a coal mining community, the town is today an economic center for the oil and gas industry, coal mining and ranching. It is also a gateway to the historic and scenic attractions throughout Sweetwater County.
The Historic Business District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The buildings reflect the changing economic fortunes of the town. Nineteenth century wood-frame, false-front buildings stand next to imposing early 20th century stone and brick buildings. The heart of the downtown area is the Old City Hall. This large two-story stone building with its distinctive white spire was constructed in 1894 and was used by the city until 1982. Today it houses the Rock Springs Historical Museum. The Fine Arts Center, located in the Rock Springs Library, displays the works of local artists.
The Downtown National Register District is located along North Front Street and South Main Street with the Union Pacific Railroad mainline dividing the two halves of the town. To the north and south of the Business District are the oldest residential neighborhoods. The north side preserves turn-of-the-century coal miners' houses, while the south side contains Queen Anne, Folk Victorian and Craftsman style houses from the late 19th and 20th centuries.
West of the downtown area on College Hill is Western Wyoming Community College. The College is the home of one of the largest displays of dinosaur skeletons in the Intermountain West. In addition, the Natural History Museum contains displays on the archaeology and paleontology of southwestern Wyoming.
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