Cheyenne

History

At a celebration on July 4, 1867, Grenville M. Dodge of the Union Pacific Railroad announced the selection of a townsite for its mountain region headquarters adjacent to the bridge the railroad planned to build across Crow Creek in the Territory of Dakota. At the same celebration, Major General Christopher C. Augur announced the selection of a site three miles (5 km) west of Crow Creek Crossing for a U.S. Army fort to protect the railroad.

The Union Pacific Railroad platted its Crow Creek Crossing townsite on July 5, 1867. Residents named the town Cheyenne for the Cheyenne Native American people. On August 8, 1867, the Town of Cheyenne, Dakota Territory was incorporated, and on August 10, 1867, H. M. Hook was elected as Cheyenne's first mayor. The tracks of the Union Pacific Railroad reached Cheyenne on November 13, 1867, and the first train arrived the following day. Cheyenne grew so quickly, it gained the nickname of "Magic City of the Plains".

On September 8, 1867, the United States Army established Fort D. A. Russell in honor of Brigadier General David Allen Russell. Initially a cavalry encampment, construction of the fort began the following month. The fort was renamed Fort Francis E. Warren in 1930 in honor of the first governor of the State of Wyoming, Francis E. Warren. The fort was transferred to the new United States Air Force and was renamed Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in October 1949.

On July 25, 1868, the United States organized the Territory of Wyoming. Territorial Governor John Allen Campbell arrived in Cheyenne on May 7, 1869, and named Cheyenne the temporary territorial capital. Cheyenne has remained the only capital of Wyoming. On December 10, 1869, the first session of the Wyoming Territorial Legislature met in Cheyenne. That day, the legislature passed and Territorial Governor Campbell signed an act to reincorporate the Town of Cheyenne, Wyoming Territory, and an act granting women the right to vote, the first U.S. state or territory to grant suffrage to women.

On July 10, 1890, the Territory of Wyoming was admitted to the Union as the State of Wyoming. The Wyoming State Capitol was constructed between 1886 and 1890, with further improvements being completed in 1917.

The Cheyenne Regional Airport was opened in 1920, initially serving as a stop for airmail. It soon developed into a civil-military airport, serving DC-3s and various military craft. During World War II, hundreds of B-17s, B-24s, and PBYs were outfitted and upgraded at the airfield. Today, it serves a number of military functions and as a high-altitude testbed for civilian craft.

Geography

Lying near the southeast corner of the state, Cheyenne is one of the least centrally located state capitals in the nation (together with cities such as Carson City, Nevada; Juneau, Alaska; Tallahassee, Florida; Topeka, Kansas; and Trenton, New Jersey).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 24.63 square miles (63.79 km2), of which 0.11 sq mi (0.28 km2) is covered by water.

Climate

Cheyenne, like much of Wyoming, has a cold semiarid climate (Köppen climate classification BSk) and is part of USDA hardiness zone 5b, with the suburbs falling in zone 5a. Winters are cold and moderately long, but relatively dry, with highs often above freezing, having a normal mean temperature of 27.7 °F (−2.4 °C), highs that fail to breach freezing for 35 days per year, and lows that dip to the 0 °F (−18 °C) mark on 9.2 mornings. However, the cold is often interrupted, with chinook winds blowing downslope from the Rockies that can bring warm conditions, bringing the high above 50 °F (10 °C) on 20 days from December to February.

While December is the coldest month, snowfall is greatest in March and April, seasonally averaging 60 inches (1,500 mm), historically ranging from 13.1 inches (330 mm) between July 1965 and June 1966 up to 121.5 inches (3,090 mm) between July 1979 and June 1980, yet thick snow cover rarely stays. Summers are warm, with a high diurnal temperature range; July averages 69.4 °F (20.8 °C), and highs reach 90 °F (32 °C) on average for 12 afternoons annually. Spring and autumn are quick transitions, with the average window for freezing temperatures being September 29 thru May 14, allowing a growing season of 106 days. Official record temperatures range from −38 °F (−39 °C) on January 9, 1875, up to 100 °F (38 °C) on June 23, 1954, the last of four occurrences; the record cold daily maximum is −21 °F (−29 °C) on January 11, 1963, while, conversely, the record warm daily minimum is 68 °F (20 °C) on July 31, 1960. The annual precipitation of 15.9 inches (400 mm) tends to be concentrated from May to August and is low during fall and winter; it has historically ranged from 5.04 inches (128.0 mm) in 1876 to 23.69 inches (602 mm) in 1942.

The city averages below 60% daily relative humidity in each month and receives an average 2,980 hours (about 67% of the possible total) of sunshine annually. On July 16, 1979, an F3 tornado struck Cheyenne, causing one death and 40 injuries. It was the most destructive tornado in Wyoming history.

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Demographics

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, Cheyenne had a population of 65,132. The median age was 37.6 years; 22.7% of residents were under 18 and 17.4% were 65 or older. For every 100 females, there were 98.7 males, and for every 100 females 18 and over, there were 97.1 males 18 and over.

Almost all of the residents lived in urban areas, while 0.2% lived in rural areas.

Of the 28,184 households in Cheyenne, 27.4% had children under 18 living in them, 42.7% were married-couple households, 22.4% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 27.7% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 35.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

The city had 29,986 housing units, of which 6.0% were vacant. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.2% and the rental vacancy rate was 6.5%.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the racial and ethnic makeup of the city was 77.1% non-Hispanic white, 1.7% Black or African American, 0.6% American Indian or Alaska Native, 1.5% Asian, 0.2% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, 6.7% two or more races, and 15.9% Hispanic or Latin American of any race, in 2020.

The most reported detailed racial/ethnic groups in 2020 were:

German (22.8%)

English (19.9%)

Irish (16.3%)

Mexican (10.8%)

Scottish (4.4%)

Italian (3.7%)

French (2.9%)

Spanish (2.4%)

Norwegian (2.3%)

2015–2019 American Community Survey

At the 2019 American Community Survey, the city had an owner-occupied housing rate of 65.9% with a median value at $214,300. Households averaged 2.20 persons from 2015 to 2019. Residents of Cheyenne had a median household income of $64,598 and per capita of $35,637. An estimated 10.4% lived at or below the poverty line.

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, 59,467 people, 25,558 households, and 15,270 families were living in the city. The population density was 2,425.2 inhabitants per square mile (936.4/km2). The 27,284 housing units had an average density of 1,112.7 per square mile (429.6/km2).

Of these households, 30.2% had children under 18 living with them, 43.1% were married couples living together, 12.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.3% were not families. About 33.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.6% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.29, and the average family size was 2.92.

The median age in the city was 36.5 years at the 2010 census. The age distribution was 24.0% under 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 26.2% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.3% male and 50.7% female.

In 2010, the racial makeup of the city was 87.44% White, 2.88% African American, 0.96% Native American, 1.24% Asian, 0.20% Pacific Islander, 4.0% from other races, and 3.28% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 14.45% of the population. At the 2005–2007 American Community Survey 3-Year Estimates, the city's population was 87.2% White (79.3% 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.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, 53,011 people, 22,324 households, 14,175 families resided in the city, and 81,607 people lived in the metropolitan statistical area, making it the largest city and metropolitan area in Wyoming. The population density was 2,511.4 inhabitants per square mile (969.6/km2). The 23,782 housing units had an average density of 1,126.7 per square mile (435.0/km2).

Of these households, 30.4% had children under 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 not families. About 31.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.6% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.33, and the average family size was 2.93.

In 2000, the age distribution was 24.9% under 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 29.7% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 13.8% were 65 or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.3 males. For every 100 females 18 and over, there were 92.7 males.

In 2000, the racial makeup of the city was 88.1% White, 2.8% Black or African American, 0.8% Native American, 1.1% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 4.4% from other races, and 2.7% from two or more races. About 12.5% of the population were Hispanics or Latinos of any race.

The median income in the city for a household was $38,856 and 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 8 and 5.8% of those 65 or over.

Arts and culture

Cheyenne Frontier Days, which is held over 10 days centered around the last full week in July, is known as the largest outdoor rodeo and western festival in the world. The events include professional bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, steer wrestling, team roping, bronc riding, steer roping, bareback riding, and many others. This week also has many parades and other events and a carnival with numerous rides, games, and shops. The festival has been held since 1897.

Landmarks

Tivoli Building

William Sturgis House

Wyoming State Capitol

F. E. Warren Air Force Base, one of the United States's oldest, continuously active installations (originally U.S. Army Fort D. A. Russell).

Nagle Warren Mansion

Frontier Mall

National Register of Historic Places

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

The Historic Plains Hotel (added 1978)

Atlas Theatre (added 1973)

Union Pacific Depot (Cheyenne Depot Museum) (1973)

the Governor's Mansion (1969)

Nagle-Warren Mansion (1976)

First Presbyterian Church (1869)

First United Methodist Church (1975)

St. Mark's Episcopal Church (1970)

St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral (1974)

Cheyenne High School (2005)

High Plains Horticulture Research Station (also known as High Plains Arboretum) (1930–1974)

Storey Gymnasium (2005)

Park Addition School (1970)

Big Boy Steam Engine (1956)

Botanic Gardens Rotary Century Plaza and Steam Locomotive (1921)

Several districts in the city are also listed, including:

Downtown Cheyenne Historic District (1978, with boundary increase in 1980, 1988, 1996. Encompasses 205 acres (0.83 km2) and 67 buildings)

Sports

Sports venues in Cheyenne include the Cheyenne Ice and Events Center, Pioneer Park, Powers Field, Bison Stadium, and Okie-Blanchard Stadium.

In 2012, the Cheyenne Warriors were founded as an American Professional Football League team. After playing a season in the APFL, they announced a move to the Indoor Football League. Shortly after the owner of the team died in December, the Warriors announced that they were forming the new Developmental Football League. In May 2013, after playing several games in this new league, the team folded.

In 2020, the city of Cheyenne was chosen to host the historical match between Canadian Dave Leduc, who was defending his Lethwei world title, against American challenger Cyrus Washington. The event marked the first time in the history of the ancient Burmese combat sport of Lethwei to be held in North America. The event was held at the Outlaw Saloon and was sanctioned by the World Lethwei Federation in partnership with the Wyoming Combat Sports Commission. As of 2024, Wyoming is the first and only US state to have legalized Lethwei in its territory.

Parks and recreation

The Cheyenne Community Recreation and Events Department operates an Ice and Events center, swimming pool, spray park, skateboard park, two golf courses, Cheyenne Botanic Gardens (including the Paul Smith Children's Village at the Gardens), paddle boat rentals in Lions Park (summers only), cemeteries, forestry operations, community house, Youth Activity Center and a miniature golf park. The Cheyenne Parks and Recreation Department also operates over 47 miles (76 kilometers) of greenway on the Greater Cheyenne Greenway system. The greenway connects parks and neighborhoods of greater Cheyenne. It includes many bridges and underpasses where travelers can avoid high traffic roads and travel above waterways and drainages. It is known that the famous bicycler, Cheyenne Otero, spent many weekends there training for marathons. In 1996, as a result of the greenway, Cheyenne was named a "Trail Town USA" by the National Park Service and the American Hiking Society.

Government

Cheyenne's government consists of a mayor and a city council, elected on a nonpartisan basis. The mayor is elected in a citywide vote. The current mayor, Patrick Collins, a bicycle shop owner, took office on January 4, 2021. He was elected for a second term in the November 2024 mayoral election. The city council has nine members, each of whom is elected from one of three wards. Each ward elects three members. The mayor's office is responsible for managing the various city departments, which consist of Police, Fire Rescue, Planning and Development, Engineering, Public Works, Treasury, Attorney's Office, Human Resources, and Municipal Court. The Planning and Development Department manages the Downtown Development Authority. The Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities is owned by the city but is semi-autonomous.

In March 2025, Cheyenne Police Chief Mark Francisco announced a nearly full sworn officer staff with 111 of 115 positions filled.

Education

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

Cheyenne is home to the Laramie County Community College, one of seven constituent campuses managed by the Wyoming Community College Commission.

Cheyenne has a public library, a branch of the Laramie County Library System.

Media

Wyoming Tribune Eagle newspaper

KGWN

Infrastructure

Transportation

I-25 – a north–south interstate highway running from New Mexico to Wyoming, it intersects I-80 southwest of Cheyenne.

I-80 – an east-west interstate running from California to New Jersey, it intersects I-25 southwest of Cheyenne.

I-180 – a bypass interstate, it runs concurrent with US 85 from I-80 to US 30.

US 30 (Lincoln Highway) – an east–west route through Cheyenne

US 85 (South Greeley Highway, Central Avenue (Southbound), Warren Avenue (Northbound)) – a north–south route through Cheyenne

US 87 – a north–south road through Cheyenne, it runs concurrent with I-25 through Cheyenne.

WYO 210 (Happy Jack Road) – East–west route from I-25/US 87 (Exit 10) west out of Cheyenne towards Laramie

WYO 211 (Horsecreek Road) – runs northwest out of Cheyenne to Horse Creek

WYO 212 (College Drive, Four Mile Road) – a north–south route, it forms a beltway around Cheyenne, from I-25 (exit 7) to WYO 219.

WYO 219 (Yellowstone Road) – a north–south route from US 85 in Cheyenne near the Cheyenne Airport north out of the city

WYO 221 (Fox Farm Road) – an east–west route from US 85 east to WYO 212 in Cheyenne

WYO 222 (Fort Access Road) – a north–south route from WYO 225 just southeast of Cheyenne, it runs north to F.E. Warren Air Force Base and continues on its north route east of the city to WYO 221.

Sister cities

Cheyenne's sister cities are:

Bismarck, North Dakota, United States

Waimea, Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States

Lompoc, California, United States

Hammam Sousse, Tunisia

Lourdes, France

Taichung, Taiwan

Voghera, Italy

Accra, Ghana