Carbon County is located in the southern region of Wyoming, bordered by Colorado to the south and stretching across some of the most scenic landscapes in the state. Established in 1868, the county was named after the abundant coal deposits in the area, which played a key role in its early development. Carbon County is rich in natural resources, including coal, oil, natural gas, and wind energy, making it a historically important center for mining and energy production in Wyoming.
With a population of approximately 15,000 people, Carbon County is known for its wide-open spaces, rolling prairies, and access to outdoor recreation. The county seat is Rawlins, and it includes several other towns like Saratoga, Hanna, and Baggs. Tourism, ranching, and energy continue to be the backbone of the local economy, while visitors are drawn to the area’s outdoor activities, history, and scenic beauty.
Rawlins
Geography and History
Rawlins, the county seat of Carbon County, is located in the south-central part of the county along Interstate 80. The city was founded in 1868 during the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad. Named after Union General John Aaron Rawlins, the town grew as a key rail stop and supply hub for the region. Over time, Rawlins developed into a center for energy and transportation, benefiting from its strategic location and access to natural resources, particularly coal and natural gas.
Rawlins has a rich history tied to the Old West, with its historical downtown featuring buildings from the late 19th century. The Wyoming Frontier Prison, which operated from 1901 to 1981, is one of the city’s key landmarks, drawing tourists interested in learning about the region’s history.
City Facts
- Nickname: “The Hub of Southern Wyoming”
- Area: 8.28 square miles
- Population: Approximately 9,000
- Elevation: 6,834 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Codes: 82301, 82334
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Rawlins is situated along Interstate 80, one of the major east-west highways in the United States, providing excellent road access to nearby towns and larger cities like Cheyenne and Salt Lake City. U.S. Highway 287 also runs through Rawlins, offering connections to Colorado and northern Wyoming. The city is served by the Rawlins Municipal Airport, which caters primarily to general aviation. For commercial flights, residents travel to nearby airports in Laramie or Denver. Union Pacific Railroad continues to be a key part of the city’s infrastructure, supporting freight transportation.
Famous Landmarks
- Wyoming Frontier Prison: A historic prison-turned-museum offering tours and exhibits on the state’s criminal justice history
- Carbon County Museum: Showcasing the history of the region, including exhibits on Native American culture and the early settlers
- Tully Park: A popular park with hiking trails and outdoor spaces
Saratoga
Geography and History
Saratoga is located in the Upper North Platte River Valley, known for its hot springs and scenic setting. The town was established in the late 19th century and quickly became a destination for travelers seeking the therapeutic benefits of its natural hot springs. Saratoga was named after Saratoga Springs, New York, due to the similar hot springs found in both locations. Over the years, the town grew into a ranching community and tourist destination, with visitors drawn to its outdoor activities and famous Saratoga Hot Springs Resort.
Saratoga’s location along the North Platte River makes it a haven for fishing, rafting, and other water-based recreation, while the nearby Medicine Bow National Forest offers hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The town is a popular spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst Wyoming’s natural beauty.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Where the Trout Leap on Main Street”
- Area: 3.58 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,600
- Elevation: 6,791 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Code: 82331
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Saratoga is accessible via Wyoming Highway 130, which connects the town to Interstate 80 and other parts of southern Wyoming. Wyoming Highway 230 also runs nearby, offering routes to northern Colorado. Although Saratoga does not have a commercial airport, the Shively Field Airport caters to general aviation and is located just outside of town. For commercial flights, residents typically use airports in Laramie or Denver, both of which are a few hours’ drive away.
Famous Landmarks
- Saratoga Hot Springs: Natural hot springs open to the public, located within the town
- Platte Valley Community Center: A hub for local arts and cultural events
- Medicine Bow National Forest: Nearby forest offering hiking, camping, and outdoor recreation
Hanna
Geography and History
Hanna is a small town located in eastern Carbon County, founded in the late 19th century as a coal-mining community. The town was named after the Hanna family, who were among the early settlers in the area. Coal mining played a pivotal role in Hanna’s development, and at its peak, the town was a bustling center for coal production, particularly for the Union Pacific Railroad.
Although coal production has declined over the years, Hanna retains much of its mining heritage, with remnants of the old mining infrastructure still visible around town. The town is known for its quiet, small-town atmosphere and its proximity to outdoor recreation areas like the nearby Seminoe State Park and the Seminoe Mountains.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Coal Town of the West”
- Area: 2.06 square miles
- Population: Approximately 800
- Elevation: 6,780 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Code: 82327
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Hanna is located along U.S. Highway 30, which provides access to Interstate 80 and connects the town to Rawlins and other nearby communities. The town is also near Wyoming Highway 72, which links it to local recreational areas. Hanna does not have an airport, but the Rawlins Municipal Airport is about 40 miles away, offering general aviation services. For commercial flights, residents typically use the Laramie Regional Airport or travel to larger airports in Denver.
Famous Landmarks
- Hanna Basin Museum: A museum dedicated to the history of coal mining in the region
- Seminoe State Park: Located nearby, offering boating, fishing, and camping at Seminoe Reservoir
- Hanna Cemetery: A historic cemetery where many miners are buried, reflecting the town’s coal mining heritage
Baggs
Geography and History
Baggs is a small town located in the southwestern corner of Carbon County, near the Wyoming-Colorado border. It was established in the early 20th century and originally served as a ranching and cattle town. Baggs gained some notoriety during the early 1900s as a hideout for outlaws, including Butch Cassidy and his gang, who frequented the area.
Today, Baggs is known for its rural setting, agricultural heritage, and strong community spirit. The Little Snake River, which runs through the town, supports local agriculture and provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing and hunting. The town’s remote location offers residents and visitors a peaceful retreat in the heart of Wyoming’s high plains.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Home of the Outlaws”
- Area: 0.51 square miles
- Population: Approximately 400
- Elevation: 6,243 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Code: 82321
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Baggs is located along Wyoming Highway 70, which connects the town to Rawlins to the north and Steamboat Springs, Colorado, to the south. While Baggs does not have an airport, the Dixon Airport, located nearby in the neighboring town of Dixon, serves general aviation needs. For commercial flights, residents typically use airports in Craig, Colorado, or travel to larger airports in Denver or Salt Lake City.
Famous Landmarks
- Little Snake River Museum: A museum showcasing the history of Baggs and the surrounding Little Snake River Valley
- Baggs Outlaw Hideout: A historical site believed to have been frequented by Butch Cassidy and other outlaws
- Dixon Town Park: Located near Baggs, offering recreational facilities and outdoor spaces
Medicine Bow
Geography and History
Medicine Bow is a small town located in northeastern Carbon County, along U.S. Highway 30. The town was founded in the late 19th century as a stop on the Union Pacific Railroad, and its name comes from the nearby Medicine Bow River, which was a traditional meeting place for Native American tribes. Medicine Bow became famous as the setting for Owen Wister’s novel, The Virginian, which helped to popularize the American cowboy culture.
Today, Medicine Bow is a quiet town known for its Old West charm and historical significance. The town’s iconic Virginian Hotel, built in 1911, remains a centerpiece of Medicine Bow, attracting visitors interested in experiencing a piece of Wyoming’s cowboy heritage.
City Facts
- Nickname: “The Virginian Town”
- Area: 3.46 square miles
- Population: Approximately 270
- Elevation: 6,564 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Code: 82329
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Medicine Bow is located along U.S. Highway 30, which provides access to Rawlins and Laramie. The town’s proximity to Interstate 80 makes it a convenient stop for travelers passing through the area. While Medicine Bow does not have its own airport, the Rawlins Municipal Airport is about 60 miles away, and the Laramie Regional Airport offers commercial flights.
Famous Landmarks
- The Virginian Hotel: A historic hotel named after Owen Wister’s famous novel, a popular attraction for visitors
- Medicine Bow Museum: Features exhibits on the town’s history and its connection to the American West
- Como Bluff Fossil Beds: Located nearby, one of the most significant dinosaur fossil discovery sites in the world