Sweetwater County is located in the southwestern part of Wyoming and is the largest county by area in the state. Established in 1867, Sweetwater County’s rich history is deeply tied to the development of the Union Pacific Railroad, the mining industry, and the exploration of the American West. The county covers a vast area of over 10,400 square miles, making it a significant region in terms of geography and natural resources.
With a population of approximately 42,000, Sweetwater County is home to two major cities, Rock Springs and Green River, along with several smaller towns and unincorporated communities. The county’s economy has traditionally been driven by coal, trona, and natural gas production, and the area is renowned for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Rock Springs
Geography and History
Rock Springs is the largest city in Sweetwater County, located in the southwestern part of the state along the banks of Bitter Creek. The city was founded in the 1860s as a coal-mining town to supply fuel for the Union Pacific Railroad. Over time, Rock Springs became a melting pot of cultures, as immigrants from around the world, including China, Italy, and Poland, came to work in the mines. This cultural diversity has earned the city the nickname “The Home of 56 Nationalities.”
The city played a significant role in the labor movement, with events like the Rock Springs Massacre in 1885 marking the tensions between workers and mining companies. Today, Rock Springs is a thriving community known for its mining heritage, scenic landscapes, and the nearby Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area.
City Facts
- Nickname: “The Home of 56 Nationalities”
- Area: 19.34 square miles
- Population: Approximately 23,000
- Elevation: 6,388 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Codes: 82901, 82902
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Rock Springs is a key transportation hub in Sweetwater County, served by several major roadways. Interstate 80, a transcontinental highway, runs through the city, providing easy access to neighboring cities like Green River and beyond. U.S. Highway 191 also connects Rock Springs to northern Wyoming and Utah. The Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport, located just outside the city, offers commercial flights to Denver and other regional destinations, while Union Pacific Railroad continues to play a role in freight transportation.
Famous People
- Adam Archuleta: Former NFL player for the St. Louis Rams
- John Bunning: U.S. Representative from Wyoming
Green River
Geography and History
Green River is the county seat of Sweetwater County, located along the banks of the Green River, from which the city takes its name. Green River was originally founded in 1868 as a stop along the Union Pacific Railroad. However, when the railroad decided to establish its division point in Rock Springs, Green River’s initial growth slowed. Despite this, Green River thrived due to its location as a gateway to the Green River Basin and the exploration of western Wyoming.
Today, Green River is known for its outdoor recreation, including fishing, hiking, and boating in the nearby Flaming Gorge Reservoir. The city retains its historical charm and serves as a hub for government services, with a strong connection to the natural beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
City Facts
- Nickname: “The Gateway to Flaming Gorge”
- Area: 14.02 square miles
- Population: Approximately 12,500
- Elevation: 6,109 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Code: 82935
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Green River is also situated along Interstate 80, making it easily accessible by road. U.S. Highway 30 and U.S. Highway 191 are important routes that connect Green River to the rest of Sweetwater County and surrounding regions. Though Green River does not have its own commercial airport, the nearby Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport provides air travel services. The Union Pacific Railroad still plays a significant role in the city’s economy and infrastructure, as Green River serves as a vital freight transportation point.
Famous People
- Ron Franscell: Author and journalist
- Tom Rathman: Former NFL player and coach
Wamsutter
Geography and History
Wamsutter is a small town in eastern Sweetwater County, situated along Interstate 80 between Rock Springs and Rawlins. The town was established in the early 20th century as a railroad and livestock shipping point. Wamsutter’s economy has traditionally been centered around ranching, but in recent decades, the discovery of natural gas in the surrounding region has spurred economic growth.
Wamsutter is a small but close-knit community that serves as a key stopover for travelers along I-80. Despite its size, the town has remained an essential part of the county’s industrial landscape, particularly with the development of natural gas resources in the area.
City Facts
- Nickname: “The Hub of the Desert”
- Area: 1.02 square miles
- Population: Approximately 500
- Elevation: 6,814 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Code: 82336
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Wamsutter is directly located on Interstate 80, one of the primary east-west highways in the United States, making it a convenient stop for long-haul truckers and travelers. The town is also connected by U.S. Route 30, which runs parallel to the interstate. While Wamsutter does not have an airport, the nearby Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport provides the closest commercial air service. Union Pacific Railroad tracks pass through the town, though rail service is primarily used for freight.
Famous People
- Lyman M. Davis: Early cattle baron and one of the founders of Wamsutter
Granger
Geography and History
Granger is a small, historic town located in the northern part of Sweetwater County, near the confluence of the Blacks Fork and Hams Fork Rivers. Granger was once a bustling town along the Oregon Trail and later served as an important stagecoach stop before the arrival of the railroad. Established in the mid-1800s, Granger played a pivotal role in the westward expansion and development of the Overland Trail.
Though its population has remained small, Granger’s historical significance is still visible in landmarks such as the Granger Stage Station Historic Site, which offers a glimpse into the town’s storied past.
City Facts
- Nickname: “Gateway to the Overland Trail”
- Area: 1.15 square miles
- Population: Approximately 150
- Elevation: 6,270 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Code: 82934
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Granger is located near the junction of U.S. Highway 30 and Wyoming Highway 374, offering access to both Interstate 80 and neighboring towns. Though Granger is relatively isolated, its location along key historical transportation routes has helped it remain connected to the broader region. While the town does not have a commercial airport, the Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport is the closest option for air travel. Granger’s role in transportation history is tied to the Union Pacific Railroad, which still operates in the area.
Famous People
- William Sublette: Noted fur trapper and pioneer associated with Granger’s early history
Superior
Geography and History
Superior is a small town located to the northeast of Rock Springs, nestled in the foothills of the southern Wyoming desert. Established in the early 1900s, Superior was originally a coal mining town, founded to supply fuel to the Union Pacific Railroad. At its peak, Superior was home to several thousand residents, with multiple coal mines operating in the surrounding hills.
However, as coal mining declined in the mid-20th century, Superior’s population decreased dramatically. Today, Superior is a quiet residential town with a rich mining history, attracting visitors who are interested in exploring its abandoned mines and historic buildings.
City Facts
- Nickname: “The Old Mining Town”
- Area: 2.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 250
- Elevation: 6,500 feet
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (MT)
- ZIP Code: 82945
- Area Code: 307
Transportation
Superior is accessed primarily via Wyoming Highway 371, which connects to U.S. Highway 191 and Interstate 80, providing access to Rock Springs and other nearby cities. Due to its small size and remote location, Superior does not have its own airport, but the nearby Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport offers commercial flights. Union Pacific Railroad tracks once played a central role in Superior’s coal-mining economy, though they are now less active in the area.
Famous People
- Harry Gunderson: Mining engineer and local historian