Sheridan, WY, is famous for its summer rodeo, Sheridan’s Main Street District was enrolled on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Boasting forty-six listed buildings, Main Street is also home to shops, restaurants, cafes and galleries. Look out for the town’s eye-catching Art Deco cinema and theatre, the WYO.
The story of Sheridan, Wyoming, is a tale of frontier determination, growth, and adaptation. It’s a journey that began in the late 19th century, with a vision and a few dollars, and evolved into a thriving community in the American West.
In 1880, John D. Loucks, accompanied by his close friend Jim Works, embarked on a journey through the picturesque Goose Creek Valley. Their destination: Miles City, Montana. Little did they know that this voyage would be the start of something significant. It wasn’t until 1882 that John Loucks returned to the area, specifically Big Horn, Wyoming. He had come to retrieve a mule team he had lent to a local resident named Oliver Perry Hanna, or ‘O.P. Hanna’ as he was known.
During this visit, O.P. Hanna, the founder of Big Horn, recognized the potential of the region and attempted to persuade Mr. Loucks to stay. However, Loucks initially decided to continue on his way to Montana. Fate had other plans. As he ascended what would become courthouse hill, a breathtaking view unfolded before him. The sun was setting over the majestic Bighorn Mountains, casting a warm glow over the emerging green grass. It was a scene that captured the essence of the perfect town site, and Loucks couldn’t resist its allure. In his own words, he later recalled, “It was a beautiful spring evening, and it all appealed to me as an ideal site for our city.”
He decided to name the town after his Civil War superior, General Philip Sheridan, and enlisted Jack Dow, a resident of Big Horn, to carry out the surveying. As soon as the town plat was registered in the Cheyenne Land Office and the necessary certifications were obtained, the process of selling lots commenced.
By October 1882, Sheridan boasted a modest five buildings within its limits. A year later, in 1883, that number surged to fifty. These included a new school building, a Masonic hall, two stores, a couple of saloons, and a livery stable. It was a rapid transformation for a town that had just been conceived. The official incorporation of Sheridan occurred on March 11, 1884, although at the time, it was still part of Johnson County within the Wyoming Territory.
In April 1888, the citizens of what was then Johnson County decided to reorganize themselves as a separate entity, aptly named Sheridan County. This decision led to the official formation of Sheridan County after a bill passed in the Territorial Legislature, overcoming Governor Moonlight’s veto. In the ensuing election to determine the county seat, Sheridan prevailed with 486 votes, outdoing Big Horn with 248 votes and Dayton with 224 votes. Sheridan was asserting itself as a prominent community in the region.
The most transformative event in those early years occurred on November 18, 1892, when the railroad made its grand entrance into Sheridan. Almost half of the town’s 1,000 residents gathered at the depot to welcome the first passenger train at 10:00 a.m. The railway opened up new opportunities for growth and trade, marking a pivotal moment in Sheridan’s history.
The year 1893 brought about the advent of coal mining operations in Dietz, Monarch, and Acme along Big Goose Creek and in the Tongue River Valley. The demand for coal was substantial, leading to the emergence of several coal towns near the railroad north of Sheridan. Immigrants from around the world flocked to this area, seeking employment in the coal mines. Sheridan slowly but steadily grew to become one of the largest cities in Wyoming.
In its formative years, Sheridan’s social scene primarily revolved around fraternity lodges and establishments along Main Street, including bars, nightlife venues, and brothels. One notable hotspot was the Sheridan Inn, which was completed in 1893. Buffalo Bill Cody himself took a keen interest in the inn, using it as his headquarters during tryouts for his famous Wild West Show. He often recruited local cowboys and cowgirls to join his company and travel with him. Another significant development during this period was the installation of a telephone system in 1897, known as the Rocky Mountain Telephone Company.
In the 1920s, the specter of prohibition loomed large, forcing the brewery to shift its production to soda pop. Yet, this period also witnessed the rise of bootlegging, prostitution, and illegal gambling, as Sheridan adapted to the changing times.
In 1928, the renowned writer Ernest Hemingway made a significant mark on Sheridan’s history. During his visit, he completed his iconic work, “A Farewell to Arms.” He conducted his writing in various locales, including the Sheridan Inn, the Bighorn Mountains at Spear-O-Wigwam, and Folly Ranch. Hemingway was also not a stranger to the bootlegging trade in Sheridan. He visited locals’ homes, sampling their ‘product,’ an experience that would inspire his short story “Wine of Wyoming,” centered around the bootleggers in Sheridan.
The 1930s marked a period of efforts to promote tourism and the establishment of dude ranches, culminating in the creation of the Sheridan WYO Rodeo in 1931. Sheridan was embracing its western heritage with pride.
The coal boom that had buoyed Sheridan began to wane, leading to the closure of the Monarch Mine in 1953.
The 1960s brought about significant changes, including the end of passenger rail service and the arrival of Interstate 90, which transformed the city’s transportation landscape. Additionally, the historic Sheridan Inn, which had played a central role in Sheridan’s early years, closed its doors.
However, the 1980s ushered in a new era. Sheridan played host to numerous notable guests and served as the backdrop for a string of movies. In 1982, “Endangered Species” was filmed in Sheridan and its surroundings, showcasing the city’s cinematic potential.
Then in 1984, Queen Elizabeth II visited Sheridan, staying near Big Horn at the Wallop ranch with Lady Jeannie Wallop Canarvon, the sister of Wyoming Senator Malcolm Wallop.
In 1985, “Wild Horses” was filmed in Sheridan, featuring TV movie stars such as Kenny Rogers, Pam Dawber, Ben Johnson, and Richard Farnsworth, along with local Sheridan extras. The iconic Mint Bar was among the locations featured in the film.
The momentum continued in 1986 when music legend Prince came to Sheridan for the premiere of his movie “Under the Cherry Moon.” The unlikely reason for Sheridan’s selection was the Lucky 10,000th caller, Lisa Barber, a 20-year-old from Sheridan. This fortunate twist of fate brought MTV, national media, and one of the world’s biggest rock stars to Wyoming.
The year 1987 brought another cinematic venture, “Into the Homeland,” a TV movie that also featured Sheridan locations and extras. In 1989, “Powwow Highway” was filmed in Sheridan, with memorable scenes shot at the Silver Spur on Main Street and in front of Sam Mavrakis’ Ritz Sporting Goods.
As the 21st century began, the non-profit sector grew, supported by local foundations, and an increasing interest in preserving local history took root. In 2006, Sheridan was recognized as the ‘Number One Western Town’ by True West Magazine. It was an accolade that underscored the city’s commitment to preserving its rich heritage. That same year, several scenes from the film “Flicka” were filmed in Sheridan, based on the novel “My Friend Flicka.”
In 2009, Sheridan earned a place on Newsmax magazine’s list of the ‘Top 25 Most Uniquely American Cities and Towns,’ an accolade celebrated by CBS News Travel Editor Peter Greenberg. In his cover story, Greenberg hailed Sheridan as “the real deal,” commending its dedication to preserving its rich history.
Sheridan’s journey, from its humble beginnings in the late 19th century to its recognition as a unique and vibrant American city in the 21st century, reflects the spirit of the American West—perseverance, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to progress. As it continues to evolve, Sheridan’s legacy endures, a testament to its remarkable history and promising future.