You may have heard of Rock Springs Wyoming but have no idea what it is. The town got its name from the natural springs that used to run through the area. You’ll find fossils and five life-sized dinosaur replicas at the Western Wyoming Community College Natural History Museum. You can also visit the White Mountain Petroglyphs, which display carvings by Shoshone tribes. This is the largest county fair in the state of Wyoming.
The temperature ranges from cold to warm, and there’s something for everyone. During the winter months, the average low is minus ten degrees Fahrenheit. The temperatures in July are around eighty degrees Fahrenheit, and they’re relatively moderate. There are 6.4 days of snow a year, which makes it great for skiing. And if you’re looking for a little luxury, Rock Springs has plenty of it.
As for the ethnicity of the town, it’s full of diversity. Many people from different countries have moved to the area to pursue their dreams, including Hispanic immigrants who come for the economy or the opportunity to raise money for their families. About 16 percent of the population is Hispanic, mostly from Mexico. Many of the newcomers are working in the natural gas fields. While census data is scarce, a look at the phone book reveals a vibrant culture.
The area’s mines were a huge part of the railroad’s early history. Charles Adams even said that the coal from these mines “saved the UP.” The town was once so flooded with coal that winter snows turned black. In addition to Rock Springs, there were more than 130 mines in Sweetwater County, which included cities like Lionkol. The town’s largest city, Rock Springs became a hub for coal mining.
Today, the town is home to 56 different nationalities. Hundreds of thousands of acres of public land are open to hikers and nature lovers. You can even hike along the 19th-century emigrant trails. But its most important industry is coal mining. Coal mines supplied the Union Pacific Railroad with fuel, which helped the American westward movement. The South Pass was the most difficult point to cross, so all westerners crossed the river at a slow pace. Later, a survey party was trying to find a better way to cross.
The town’s natural springs were an important water source in the early days. The early settlers made good use of these springs to bring water to their families and livestock. In 1868, the Union Pacific Railroad arrived and demanded coal to power its steam engines. The coal mines became a major economic center in the town and soon, the city became a coal mining hub. If you’ve been wondering about what Rock Springs has to offer, keep reading.