Cheyenne, Wyoming

City of Cheyenne, Wyoming
—  City  —
Downtown Cheyenne
Seal
Nickname(s): Magic City of the Plains; Capital City (of Wyoming); The Frontier City
Location in Wyominghttp://www.wapa.gov/jobs/images/city.jpg
Coordinates:
Country	United States
State	Wyoming
County	Laramie
Founded	1867
Government
- Mayor	Richard Kaysen[1]
Area
- City	21.2 sq mi (57.9 km2)
- Land	21.1 sq mi (54.7 km2)
- Water	0.1 sq mi (0.2 km2)  0.38%
Elevation	6,062 ft (1,848 m)
Population (2010)
- City	56,160
- Density	2,511.4/sq mi (969.6/km2)
- Metro	88,854
Time zone	Mountain (UTC-7)
- Summer (DST)	Mountain (UTC-6)
Area code(s)	307
FIPS code	56-13900[2]
GNIS feature ID	1609077[3]
Website	www.cheyennecity.org

Cheyenne (pronounced /ʃaɪˈæn/ or /ʃaɪˈɛn/) is the capital and largest city of the U.S. state of Wyoming and the county seat of Laramie County.^[4] It is the principal city of the Cheyenne, Wyoming Metropolitan Statistical Area which encompasses all of Laramie County. The population is 56,160 at the 2010 census. Cheyenne is the northern terminus of the extensive and fast-growing Front Range Urban Corridor.

History

On July 4, 1867, General Grenville M. Dodge and his survey crew platted the site now known as Cheyenne in Dakota Territory (later Wyoming Territory). This site was chosen as the point at which the Union Pacific Railroad crossed Crow Creek, a tributary of the South Platte River. The city was not named by Dodge, as his memoirs state, but rather by friends who accompanied him to the area Dodge called "Crow Creek Crossing." It was named for the American Indian Cheyenne nation, one of the most famous and prominent Great Plains tribes closely allied with the Arapaho.

There were many from a hundred miles around who felt the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad through the area would bring them prosperity. By the time the first track was built into Cheyenne November 13, 1867, over four thousand people had migrated into the new city.

Bird's eye view of Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1882

Those who did not leave with the westward construction of the railroad were joined by gamblers, saloon owners, thieves, opportunists, prostitutes, displaced cowboys, miners, transient railroad gangs, proper business men, soldiers from "Camp Cheyenne," (later named Fort D.A. Russell, now F.E. Warren Air Force Base), and men from Camp Carlin, a supply camp for fifteen northern army posts on the frontier

As the capital of the Wyoming Territory and the only city of any consequence, as well as being the seat of the stockyards where cattle were loaded on the Union Pacific Railroad, the city's Cheyenne Club was the natural meeting place for the organization of the large well-capitalized ranches called the Wyoming Stock Growers Association. (See Johnson County War of 1892, the largest of the "range wars" of early Wyoming history).

Geography & Climate

Cheyenne is located at (41.145548, -104.802042)^[5]. Lying near the southeast corner of the state, it is one of the least centrally located state capitals in the nation (together with cities such as Carson City, Nevada and Juneau, Alaska).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 54.9 km² (21.2 mi²). 54.7 km² (21.1 mi²) of it is land and 0.2 km² (0.1 mi²) of it (0.38%) is water.

Cheyenne, like most of the rest of Wyoming, is semi-arid (Koppen BSk). Winters are cold and moderately long, but relatively dry, with a January high of 37.1 °F (2.8 °C) and low of 14.8 °F (−9.6 °C); highs are below freezing on 37 days per year, and lows dip to 0 °F (−17.8 °C) or below on 11-12 nights.^[6] Chinook winds blowing downslope from the Rockies can warm conditions, bringing the high above 50 °F (10 °C) on 20 days from December to February.^[6] Snowfall is greatest in March and April, averaging a seasonal total of nearly 60 inches (152 cm),^[6] but thick snow cover rarely stays.^[6] Springtime warming is gradual but quickens as June approaches. Summers are warm, with highs peaking at 83 °F (28.3 °C) in late July,^[7] but lows are significantly cooler, often in the low to mid 50s °F (10-13 °C). Autumn is a quick yet mild transition, with the median freeze date being September 26.^[6] Precipitation is low during fall and winter, and even during spring and summer is not usually heavy. The area receives nearly 3000 hours, or 68% of the possible total, of sunshine per year.^[8]

Demographics

At the 2005-2007 American Community Survey 3-Year Estimates, the city's population was 89.3% White (79.2% non-Hispanic White alone), 12.7% Hispanic or Latino (of any race), 4.5% Black or African American, 2.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.1% Asian and 6.4% from some other race.^[11] 22.5% of the total population had a Bachelor's degree or higher.^[12]

As of the census^[2] of 2000, there were 53,011 people, 22,324 households, 14,175 families residing in the city, and 81,607 people residing in the Metropolitan Statistical Area making it the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Wyoming. The population density was 969.6/km² (2,511.4/mi²). There were 23,782 housing units at an average density of 435.0/km² (1,126.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 88.11% White, 2.78% Black or African American, 0.81% Native American, 1.06% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 4.44% from other races, and 2.69% from two or more races. 12.54% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 22,324 households out of which 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.2% were married couples living together, 10.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.5% were non-families. 31.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the city the population was spread out with 24.9% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 29.7% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 13.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 95.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $38,856, and the median income for a family was $46,771. Males had a median income of $32,286 versus $24,529 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,809. About 6.3% of families and 8.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.1% of those under age 18 and 5.8% of those age 65 or over.

Government

Cheyenne's government consists of a mayor and a city council. The mayor is elected in a citywide vote. The city council has nine members each of whom are elected from one of three wards. Each ward elects three members.

Education

Primary and secondary schools

Public education in the city of Cheyenne is provided by Laramie County School District #1. The district is served by three high schools, Central High on the northwest side, East High on the east side, and South High on the south side.

Colleges and universities

Cheyenne is home to Laramie County Community College (LCCC) and Institute of Business & Medical Careers.

Economy

The state of Wyoming operates a multitude of offices in downtown Cheyenne. Many area residents are employed by or are dependent on the U.S. Air Force, through F.E. Warren Air Force Base to the west of the city, or by the Wyoming National Guard. Railroads remain a major economic force for the city, with both the Burlington Northern Santa Fe and Union Pacific employing many residents.

Steps have been taken in recent years to diversify the city's economy. Lowe's and Wal-Mart both operate distribution centers on the city's outskirts. Sierra Trading Post is headquartered in the city and also operates its distribution and fulfillment centers in the city.^[13]

Cheyenne's high elevation, coupled with its position on the continent, make it one of the windiest cities in America. The abundance of wind makes Cheyenne an opportune place to develop wind energy. Wind turbines are currently being placed around Laramie County. Laramie County Community College is home to a leading wind energy technician program, where students learn to maintain these turbines. The opening of a Vestas wind turbine blade assembly in nearby Weld County, Colorado, as well as other alternative energy manufacturing facilities around Colorado, are transforming the region into a center for alternative energy.

Great Lakes Airlines and Taco John's are headquartered in Cheyenne.^[14][15]

Landmarks

Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne

Lions Park

• Wyoming State Capitol
• Cheyenne Botanic Gardens
• F.E. Warren Air Force Base, one of the nation's oldest, continuously active installations (orig. U.S. Army).
• Nagle Warren Mansion

Historic places

Over fifty different locations in Cheyenne are listed on the National Register of Historical Places, including:

• the Atlas Theatre (added 1973)
• Union Pacific Depot (1973)
• the Governor's Mansion (1969)
• Nagle-Warren Mansion (1976)
• First United Methodist Church (1975)
• St. Mark's Episcopal Church (1970)
• St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral (1974)
• Cheyenne High School (2005)
• Storey Gymnasium (2005)

Several districts in the city are also listed, including:

• the Downtown District (1978, with boundary increase in 1980, 1988, 1996. Encompasses 205 acres (0.83 km²) and 67 buildings)
• Lakeview District (1996, 350 acres 109 buildings)
• Rainsford District (1984, 1980 acres 288 buildings)
• Capitol North District (1980, 204 acres 112 buildings)
• Fort David A. Russell (1969, 6300 acres 19 buildings)
• Union Pacific Roundhouse, Turntable and Machine Shop (1992, 113 acres 2 buildings)
• South Side District (2006)

Transportation

Highways

Plaque depicting Cheyenne's street grid along with historic districts

Map of Cheyenne Road Network

Interstate Highways

I-25

• North-South Interstate running from New Mexico to Wyoming intersects I-80 southwest of Cheyenne.

I-80

• East-West Interstate running from California to New Jersey. Intersects I-25 southwest of Cheyenne.

I-180

• North-South interstate that runs concurrent with US 85 from I-80 to US 30.
  (It is the only Interstate Highway that is not up to Interstate Highway standards along its entire route)

US Routes

US 30 (Lincolnway)

• East-West route through Cheyenne

US 85 (South Greely Hwy., Central Ave. (Southbound), Warren Ave. (Northbound))

• North-South route through Cheyenne

US 87

• North-South through Cheyenne that runs concurrent with I-25 through Cheyenne

Wyoming State Highways

WYO 210 (Happy Jack Rd.)

• East-West route from I-25/US 87 (Exit 10) west out of Cheyenne towards Laramie

WYO 212 (College Dr., Four Mile Rd.)

• North-South route that forms a beltway around Cheyenne. From I-25 (Exit 7) to WYO 219

WYO 219 (Yellowstone Rd.)

• North-South route from US 85 in Cheyenne near the Cheyenne Airport north out of the city

WYO 221 (Fox Farm Rd.)

• East-west route from US 85 east to WYO 212 in Cheyenne

WYO 222 (Fort Access Rd.)

• North-South route from WYO 225 just southeast of Cheyenne and travels north to F.E. Warren Air Force Base and continues on its north route east of the city to WYO 221

WYO 225 (Otto Rd.)

• East-West route from I-80/US 30 southwest of Cheyenne west

Airports

Cheyenne is serviced by Cheyenne Regional Airport.

Railroads

The Union Pacific and BNSF railroads intersect in Cheyenne. The city is home to a BNSF railyard, as well as the Union Pacific's steam program. UP's 844 and 3985 reside in the steam shop.^[16]

Cheyenne Frontier Days

Cheyenne Frontier Days, held annually on the last full week of July, is the largest outdoor rodeo in the US. The events include professional bull riding, cattle roping, barrel racing and many others. During this week there are many parades and other events. Additionally there is a carnival with numerous rides, games and shops. Frontier Days concerts scheduled for 2010 are: Kiss, Sugarland, Brooks and Dunn, Tippin & McCoy, Clay Walker, Dierks Bently & Miranda Lambert, and Alan Jackson.

Fictional references to Cheyenne

Three novels by Philip K. Dick are partly set in Cheyenne. In The Man in the High Castle, it is where Hawthorne Abendsen lives in the eponymous "High Castle". In Dr. Bloodmoney, it is the seat of a military dictatorship. In The Penultimate Truth, several characters are linked by post-apocalyptic Cheyenne.

In the American serial drama Jericho, Cheyenne is the capital city of the Allied States of America, a separatist faction of the United States formed after a surprise nuclear attack on the country's major metropolitan areas.

In the 1984 motion picture Red Dawn, Cheyenne is the farthest north that the Cuban, Soviet, and Nicaraguan forces have pushed American forces. In the motion picture Ready to Rumble, the two main protagonists go to a live WCW Monday Night Nitro in Cheyenne.

Garth Brooks recorded the song "Beaches of Cheyenne". Guided by Voices have a song titled "Cheyenne" on Universal Truths and Cycles. A B-side of The Hold Steady's Stay Positive is titled "Cheyenne Sunrise" ("there's nothing like a Cheyenne sunrise to make us has-beens feel too old"). Country singer George Strait recorded the song "I Can Still Make Cheyenne". Country singer Eric Church makes reference to spurring a bull in Cheyenne in the song "These Boots".

Sister cities

Cheyenne's sister cities are:

•  United States:
  • Lompoc, California
  • Bismarck, North Dakota
  • Waimea, Hawaii
•  Republic of China: Taichung, Taiwan
•  France: Lourdes
•  Tunisia: Hammam Sousse

Notable natives and residents

• Tom Horn — an American Old West lawman, scout, soldier, hired gunman, detective, outlaw and assassin
• Vernon Baker - Medal of Honor recipient
• Shirley E. Flynn - Cheyenne historian and author
• John Godina — Shot putter; won a silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2000 Sydney games
• Curt Gowdy — national sportscaster
• James Johnson — forward for the Chicago Bulls
• Ralph S. Johnson - aviator and state representative (1951–1953)
• William T. Kane — physicist in field of fiber optics
• Cynthia Lummis — former Wyoming state treasurer and member of the United States House of Representatives
• Lori Millin — state representative for the district including Cheyenne
• John C. Ostlund — Republican member of the Wyoming State Senate and 1978 gubernatorial nominee
• Bryan Pedersen - Republican member of the Wyoming House of Representatives since 2009
• Dean T. Prosser — Republican member of the Wyoming House from 1971–1983 and leader in environmental legislation
• Charles E. Richardson — newspaper publisher, Rock Springs Daily Rocket-Miner; retired to Cheyenne
• Tracy Ringolsby — sportswriter and sportscaster
• Robert Schliske — Laramie County Community College faculty member and and member of the Wyoming House of Representatives
• Joseph D. Selby — former Republican member of the Wyoming House of Representatives and municipal judge
• Larry D. Shippy — former Republican member of the Wyoming House of Representatives and official of Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo
• Edwin H. Whitehead — former member of the Wyoming House of Representatives and leader of the John F. Kennedy forces in Wyoming in 1960
• Alvin Wiederspahn — former member of both houses of the Wyoming legislature; husband of Cynthia Lummis
• Dan Zwonitzer — Republican member of the Wyoming House of Representatives

Media

• Wyoming Tribune Eagle newspaper

References

1. ↑ Mayor's Office, Cheyenne. Accessed 2009-01-18.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. http://factfinder.census.gov. Retrieved 2008-01-31. 
3. ↑ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25. http://geonames.usgs.gov. Retrieved 2008-01-31. 
4. ↑ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. http://www.naco.org/Template.cfm?Section=Find_a_County&Template=/cffiles/counties/usamap.cfm. Retrieved 2008-01-31. 
5. ↑ "US Gazetteer files: 2000 and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2005-05-03. http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/gazette.html. Retrieved 2008-01-31. 
6. ↑ ^{6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5} "Climatography of the United States No. 20 (1971–2000)" (PDF). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2004. http://cdo.ncdc.noaa.gov/climatenormals/clim20/wy/481675.pdf. Retrieved 2010-05-17. 
7. ↑ ^{7.0 7.1} "Average Weather for Cheyenne, WY". The Weather Channel. http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USWY0032?from=month_bottomnav_business. Retrieved 2001-10-20. 
8. ↑ ^{8.0 8.1} "Climatological Normals of Cheyenne". Hong Kong Observatory. http://www.weather.gov.hk/wxinfo/climat/world/eng/n_america/us/Cheyenne_e.htm. Retrieved 2010-05-17. 
9. ↑ Moffatt, Riley. Population History of Western U.S. Cities & Towns, 1850-1990. Lanham: Scarecrow, 1996, 338.
10. ↑ "Subcounty population estimates: Wyoming 2000-2007" (CSV). United States Census Bureau, Population Division. 2009-03-18. http://www.census.gov/popest/cities/files/SUB-EST2007-56.csv. Retrieved 2009-05-09. 
11. ↑ [1]
12. ↑ [2]
13. ↑ http://www.supplychainbrain.com/content/technology-solutions/warehouse-management/single-article-page/article/a-random-walk-through-sierra-trading-posts-warehouse/
14. ↑ "Contact Us." Great Lakes Airlines. Retrieved on May 25, 2009.
15. ↑ "Contact Us." Taco John's. Retrieved on February 25, 2010.
16. ↑ "UP: Steam". http://www.up.com/aboutup/special_trains/steam/index.shtml. Retrieved 2010-08-18. 

External links

• Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce
• City of Cheyenne
• Cheyenne newspapers in the Wyoming Newspaper Project

Municipalities and communities of Laramie County, Wyoming County seat: Cheyenne City Cheyenne Towns Albin | Burns | Pine Bluffs CDPs Fox Farm-College | Ranchettes | South Greeley | Warren AFB Unincorporated communities Carpenter | Granite | Hillsdale | Horse Creek | Meriden

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