Sheridan County is located in northern Wyoming, near the border with Montana. The county was established in 1888 and named after General Philip Sheridan, a Civil War hero. Nestled at the base of the Bighorn Mountains, the county is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and strong connection to the American West. Sheridan County has a population of about 30,000 people and is home to several towns and cities, each with unique historical significance and charm.
Sheridan, the county seat, is the largest city, while smaller towns like Ranchester, Dayton, and Clearmont add to the county’s character. Sheridan County’s economy has traditionally been driven by agriculture, ranching, and mining, although tourism and outdoor recreation are also significant contributors today.
Sheridan
Geography and History
Sheridan is the county seat and largest city in Sheridan County, located near the Bighorn Mountains. Established in 1882, the city was named after General Philip Sheridan. Sheridan became an important economic and cultural center for northeastern Wyoming, particularly due to its strategic location along early rail lines and trails leading to Montana and Yellowstone.
Sheridan’s historical significance is tied to the cattle industry, and it is known for its deep connection to cowboy culture and western heritage. The city hosts annual rodeos and cultural events, such as the Sheridan WYO Rodeo. Its charming downtown features historic buildings, art galleries, and shops, reflecting the community’s blend of history and modernity. The nearby Bighorn Mountains offer outdoor activities, from hiking and fishing to skiing and snowmobiling.
City Facts
- Nickname: “The Best of the West”
- Area: 12.96 square miles
- Population: Approximately 18,000
- Elevation: 3,743 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Codes: 82801
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Sheridan is located along Interstate 90, which connects the city to Billings, Montana, to the north, and Buffalo, Wyoming, to the south. U.S. Highway 14 and Wyoming Highway 335 also serve the city, providing access to local destinations and the Bighorn Mountains. Sheridan County Airport, located just outside of town, offers daily commercial flights to Denver, providing air connectivity to the rest of the country. Sheridan also has access to freight services via the BNSF Railway.
Famous People
- Buffalo Bill Cody: Wild West showman who often visited the area
- Gretel Ehrlich: Renowned author who writes about Wyoming’s landscape
Ranchester
Geography and History
Ranchester is a small town located 12 miles north of Sheridan, near the Tongue River. Ranchester was founded in the early 1900s, primarily as a farming and ranching community, and has maintained a rural atmosphere. The town was once a stop along the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad, which played a significant role in its early growth. Today, Ranchester remains a quiet community with a strong agricultural presence, supported by its location near the scenic Bighorn Mountains.
Ranchester is a gateway to outdoor recreation, with easy access to hiking, camping, and hunting in the nearby Bighorns. The town prides itself on its small-town values and community spirit, with local events and festivals bringing residents together throughout the year.
City Facts
- Nickname: “The Gateway to the Bighorns”
- Area: 0.68 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,000
- Elevation: 3,622 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Code: 82839
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Ranchester is conveniently located along U.S. Highway 14, which connects the town to Sheridan and provides access to the Bighorn Mountains. The highway is a major route for tourists traveling to Yellowstone National Park. Ranchester does not have its own airport, but residents use the nearby Sheridan County Airport for commercial flights. Public transportation options are limited, and residents typically rely on personal vehicles to travel within the region.
Famous People
- Everett Ruess: Artist and explorer who spent time in the Ranchester area
Dayton
Geography and History
Dayton is another small town located just a few miles west of Ranchester, nestled along the Tongue River. The town was established in the late 1800s and has a rich history tied to the westward expansion, cattle ranching, and the railroad. Dayton’s proximity to the Bighorn Mountains has always made it a popular base for outdoor enthusiasts, with easy access to the Tongue River Canyon and the Bighorn National Forest.
Despite its small size, Dayton has a lively community spirit and is known for its annual Dayton Days celebration, which includes parades, rodeos, and other festivities. The town is also home to several historical buildings, such as the Dayton Mercantile, which dates back to the early 20th century.
City Facts
- Nickname: “The Little Town by the Big Horns”
- Area: 1.16 square miles
- Population: Approximately 900
- Elevation: 3,884 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Code: 82836
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Dayton is located along U.S. Highway 14, the same route that runs through Ranchester, making it easily accessible from Sheridan and nearby towns. This highway also leads west into the Bighorn Mountains, providing a scenic route for travelers heading to recreational areas. While Dayton does not have its own airport, it relies on Sheridan County Airport for air travel. Local transportation is primarily by personal vehicle, with limited public options.
Famous People
- Robert “Bob” Yellowtail: Prominent Crow leader and advocate for Native American rights who had ties to the Dayton area
Clearmont
Geography and History
Clearmont is a small, rural town located in the southeastern part of Sheridan County. Founded in 1892, Clearmont developed as a ranching and farming community, benefiting from its location near Clear Creek. The town was an important stop for cattle drives in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and later served as a shipping point on the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad.
Today, Clearmont remains a quiet agricultural town, with a strong connection to its ranching roots. The surrounding area is known for its wide-open spaces, making it an ideal location for those who enjoy solitude and the rugged beauty of Wyoming’s plains.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Heart of the High Plains”
- Area: 0.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 150
- Elevation: 3,763 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Code: 82835
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Clearmont is located along U.S. Highway 14, which connects it to Sheridan and the eastern parts of the county. Wyoming Highway 193 also runs through the town, providing additional connections to surrounding rural areas. Clearmont does not have an airport, but the Sheridan County Airport, about 40 miles to the northwest, provides air service. Like most small towns in the region, residents rely on personal vehicles for transportation, as public transit options are limited.
Famous People
- John Kendrick: Former Governor of Wyoming and U.S. Senator, who owned a ranch near Clearmont
Big Horn
Geography and History
Big Horn is a small unincorporated community located just a few miles south of Sheridan at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains. Founded in the 1880s, Big Horn quickly became an important hub for the region’s cattle ranchers and cowboys. The town has a rich history, and many of the buildings from its early days still stand, including the Big Horn Mercantile and the historic Bozeman Trail Museum.
Big Horn is known for its scenic beauty and proximity to the Bighorn Mountains, making it a popular location for outdoor recreation, particularly hunting, fishing, and hiking. The town maintains its rural charm and agricultural roots, with many local residents involved in ranching.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Gateway to the Bozeman Trail”
- Area: Unincorporated
- Population: Approximately 500
- Elevation: 4,200 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Code: 82833
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Big Horn is located along Wyoming Highway 335, which connects it to Sheridan and U.S. Highway 87, making it easily accessible by road. The nearby Sheridan County Airport provides air travel services, with flights to Denver and other regional destinations. While Big Horn does not have a commercial airport, its residents and visitors can access larger cities through the Sheridan County Airport or via Interstate 90, which is only a short drive away.
Famous People
- Forrest Mars, Sr.: Founder of Mars, Incorporated, who had a ranch near Big Horn