Goshen County is located in the southeastern corner of Wyoming, bordering Nebraska to the east. Established in 1911, the county covers approximately 2,232 square miles and is primarily known for its agricultural industry, particularly livestock and crop farming. Goshen County is part of the High Plains region, with rolling hills and grasslands dominating the landscape. The North Platte River, which runs through the county, supports both farming and recreation. The county seat, Torrington, serves as the main hub of commerce and government.
With a population of about 13,000 people, Goshen County is a relatively small and rural area, offering a quiet lifestyle that’s closely tied to its agricultural roots. The county is home to several small towns and communities, including Lingle, Fort Laramie, Yoder, and LaGrange, each with its own unique history and charm. Goshen County’s rich history, outdoor recreation, and community-oriented lifestyle make it an inviting place for both residents and visitors.
Cities and Towns in Goshen County
Torrington
Overview of Geography and History
Torrington is the county seat and largest town in Goshen County. It is located near the North Platte River and serves as the agricultural and economic hub for the region. Torrington was founded in 1900 by W.G. Curtis and named after Torrington, Connecticut. The arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad and the construction of the sugar beet factory in the early 20th century contributed to the town’s growth, making it a center for agriculture and trade. Today, Torrington continues to thrive on farming, ranching, and education, with Eastern Wyoming College located in the town.
The town’s history is deeply intertwined with the development of irrigation systems, which allowed agriculture to flourish in the region. Torrington is also known for its close-knit community and serves as the gateway to several historic sites, including Fort Laramie and the Oregon Trail.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Heart of Goshen County”
- Area: 4.62 square miles
- Population: Approximately 6,700
- Elevation: 4,104 feet
- Time zone: Mountain Time (MT)
- ZIP Codes: 82240
- Area code: 307
Transportation
Torrington is located along U.S. Highway 85, which runs north to south and connects the town to Cheyenne to the south and the Black Hills of South Dakota to the north. U.S. Highway 26 also passes through the town, providing access to Nebraska and central Wyoming. The Torrington Municipal Airport serves private aviation needs, while the closest commercial airports are in Cheyenne and Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Torrington is also served by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, which supports freight transport for the region’s agricultural industries.
Famous Landmarks
- Homesteaders Museum: A museum showcasing artifacts from the early settlers of Goshen County.
- North Platte River: A popular site for fishing, boating, and recreation.
Lingle
Overview of Geography and History
Lingle is a small town located about 9 miles northwest of Torrington along U.S. Highway 26. The town was founded in 1909, named after H.J. Lingle, a local rancher who played a significant role in the town’s early development. Lingle grew as a result of the nearby railroads and irrigation projects, becoming a small but important agricultural community in Goshen County. Today, Lingle remains a quiet, rural town that supports the region’s farming and ranching industries.
The town’s history is closely tied to the development of the North Platte River Valley and the introduction of irrigation systems, which allowed for productive farming in the area. Lingle’s economy continues to be based on agriculture, and the town serves as a local service center for nearby farms and ranches.
City Facts
- Nickname: None
- Area: 0.32 square miles
- Population: Approximately 480
- Elevation: 4,173 feet
- Time zone: Mountain Time (MT)
- ZIP Codes: 82223
- Area code: 307
Transportation
Lingle is situated along U.S. Highway 26, which connects the town to Torrington and other nearby communities in Goshen County. The town’s small size means that most residents rely on personal vehicles for transportation, but the highway provides easy access to Torrington and larger cities like Cheyenne and Scottsbluff, Nebraska. The nearest airports for commercial flights are located in Scottsbluff and Cheyenne, both about an hour’s drive away.
Famous Landmarks
- Lingle Community Presbyterian Church: A historic church that has served the community since the early 20th century.
- North Platte River: The river runs near Lingle and offers recreational opportunities.
Fort Laramie
Overview of Geography and History
Fort Laramie is a historic town located near the confluence of the Laramie and North Platte Rivers. The town takes its name from the nearby Fort Laramie, which was established as a fur trading post in 1834 and later became a key military outpost during the westward expansion of the United States. The town grew around the fort and served as a supply point for travelers on the Oregon, Mormon, and California Trails. After the fort was decommissioned in 1890, the town continued to survive as a small agricultural community.
Today, Fort Laramie is known for its rich history and proximity to Fort Laramie National Historic Site, which preserves the remnants of the old military post. The town offers a glimpse into Wyoming’s past and attracts tourists interested in the history of the American West.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Gateway to the Trails”
- Area: 0.25 square miles
- Population: Approximately 230
- Elevation: 4,167 feet
- Time zone: Mountain Time (MT)
- ZIP Codes: 82212
- Area code: 307
Transportation
Fort Laramie is located along U.S. Highway 26, which connects it to Torrington and other communities in the region. The town’s location near the North Platte River made it an important travel route historically, and today, the highway provides easy access for residents and visitors. The nearest airports for commercial flights are in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and Cheyenne, Wyoming. Fort Laramie’s small size means that most transportation is done by car, and the highway serves as the main route in and out of town.
Famous Landmarks
- Fort Laramie National Historic Site: The remains of the historic military fort that played a crucial role in the westward expansion.
- Oregon Trail Ruts: Visible wagon ruts left by pioneers heading west in the 19th century.
Yoder
Overview of Geography and History
Yoder is a small agricultural town located about 15 miles south of Torrington along Wyoming Highway 154. The town was founded in 1921 and named after a local rancher and politician, C.H. Yoder. Yoder developed as a service center for the surrounding farming community, which benefited from the region’s irrigation projects. The town’s economy is closely tied to agriculture, with local farmers producing crops such as corn, beans, and sugar beets.
Yoder’s rural charm and tight-knit community make it a pleasant place to live for those who appreciate small-town life. The town remains focused on supporting the agricultural needs of the region, with many residents involved in farming or ranching.
City Facts
- Nickname: None
- Area: 0.22 square miles
- Population: Approximately 160
- Elevation: 4,154 feet
- Time zone: Mountain Time (MT)
- ZIP Codes: 82244
- Area code: 307
Transportation
Yoder is accessible via Wyoming Highway 154, which connects the town to Torrington and other nearby communities. The nearest major highway is U.S. Highway 85, which runs north to south through Goshen County. While Yoder does not have its own airport, residents can use the Torrington Municipal Airport for general aviation or travel to nearby commercial airports in Cheyenne and Scottsbluff, Nebraska, for flights. Most travel within Yoder is done by car, as the town is small and lacks public transportation options.
Famous Landmarks
- Yoder School: A historic building that served as the town’s educational center for many years.
LaGrange
Overview of Geography and History
LaGrange is a small town located near the southeastern corner of Goshen County, close to the Nebraska border. The town was founded in 1889 as a cattle shipping point on the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad. LaGrange’s early development was tied to the railroad and agriculture, with the town serving as a supply center for local farmers and ranchers. The town is also home to Frontier School of the Bible, a religious institution that draws students from across the country.
Despite its small size, LaGrange has a strong sense of community, with many local events and activities focused around the school and the town’s agricultural heritage. The town offers a quiet, rural lifestyle and serves as a gateway to outdoor recreational activities in the surrounding countryside.
City Facts
- Nickname: None
- Area: 0.30 square miles
- Population: Approximately 450
- Elevation: 4,647 feet
- Time zone: Mountain Time (MT)
- ZIP Codes: 82221
- Area code: 307
Transportation
LaGrange is located along Wyoming Highway 151, which connects the town to other communities in Goshen County. U.S. Highway 85 is located nearby, providing access to Torrington, Cheyenne, and the Nebraska state line. The town does not have its own airport, but residents can use the Torrington Municipal Airport for private flights or travel to commercial airports in Cheyenne and Scottsbluff. Due to its rural location, most residents rely on personal vehicles for transportation.
Famous Landmarks
- Frontier School of the Bible: A theological school that has been a cornerstone of the town’s community for decades.