Lander, Wyoming | |
|---|---|
City | |
 Seal | |
| Motto: "Real. Western. Spirit." | |
 Location of Lander in Fremont County, Wyoming. | |
  Lander, Wyoming Location in the United States | |
| Coordinates:42°49′59″N108°43′57″W / 42.83306°N 108.73250°W /42.83306; -108.73250[1] | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Wyoming |
| County | Fremont |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Monte Richardson |
| Area | |
• Total | 9.38 sq mi (24.30 km2) |
| • Land | 9.38 sq mi (24.30 km2) |
| • Water | 0 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 5,358 ft (1,633 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 7,546 |
| • Density | 794.9/sq mi (306.92/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−7 (Mountain (MST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−6 (MDT) |
| ZIP code | 82520 |
| Area code | 307 |
| FIPS code | 56-44760[3] |
| GNIS feature ID | 1609112[4] |
| Website | www |
Lander is a city in and thecounty seat ofFremont County, Wyoming. It is located in central Wyoming, along theMiddle Fork of the Popo Agie River, just south of theWind River Indian Reservation. It is a tourism center with several nearbyguest ranches. Its population was 7,546 at the2020 census.[5]
Lander was previously known as Pushroot, Old Camp Brown[6][7] and Fort Augur. Its present name was chosen in 1875 in reference to GeneralFrederick W. Lander,[8] a transcontinental explorer who surveyed the Oregon Trail's Lander Cutoff.[9]
In 1868, the boundaries of the Wind River Indian Reservation were officially established by theFort Bridger Treaty, setting its southern border along theSweetwater River.[10] This marked the beginning of increased conflicts between the Shoshone tribe and white settlers, who were illegally encroaching on reservation lands. Additionally, it became evident to the U.S. Government that much of the land east of the Wind River Range on the reservation was considered desirable.
In response in 1872 Congress approved negotiations with Shoshone leaders, includingChief Washakie. These negotiations took place atCamp Stambaugh during the summer of 1872 and culminated in the Shoshone's agreement to cede the southern part of their reservation. The agreement provided the tribe with $25,000, $5,000 in stock cattle, and an annual salary of $500 for Chief Washakie over five years.[10]
The year 1873 sawThe Jones Expedition explore the area around what would become the town of Lander, establishing a route toYellowstone National Park. This exploration resulted in extensive documentation of natural features, including hot springs, oil reserves, and hieroglyphs.[11] Notably, the Dallas Dome area, situated several miles southeast of the future town-site near today'sU.S. Route 287, was identified as the site of Wyoming's first oil well, completed in 1883.[12] The town of Lander was officially incorporated on July 17, 1890.[13]
On October 1, 1906, Lander became the westward terminus of the "Cowboy Line" of theChicago and North Western Railway, thus originating the slogan "where rails end and trails begin." Originally intended to be a transcontinental mainline toCoos Bay, Oregon, orEureka, California, the line never went further west, and service to Lander was abandoned in 1972.[14] With the arrival of the railroad, Lander's population more than doubled between 1900 and 1910.[15] At the turn of the century the town and surrounding valley were promising places for agricultural development due to the area's climate and potential for irrigation.[16] At the time there were several new ventures around the town producing wool, wheat, oats, alfalfa, hay, vegetables, small fruit and in some cases orchards.[16] However, a report from the State of Wyoming published in 1907 says agriculture around Lander only supplies local demand.[16]In 1962U.S. Steel opened the Atlantic City iron ore and mill, 35 miles (56 km) south of Lander nearAtlantic City[17] The mine was a significant employer in Lander, but by 1983 it ceased operations.[17]
Lander continues to evolve and faces similar issues as many small towns in theWestern United States. Education and outdoor recreation play a large role in the town's economy with theWyoming Catholic College andNational Outdoor Leadership School both based in Lander. Though agriculture and resource extraction no longer play a large role in the town's economy, its population has continued to grow since the year 2000.[18][19]
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.67 square miles (12.10 km2), all land.[20]
Sinks Canyon in theWind River Range is close to Lander.[21] Elk migrate out of the Wind River Range into the lowlands near Lander, arriving in early winter and frequently staying at least through calving season in the spring.[22] The town is located in theWind River Basin
According to theKöppen Climate Classification system, Lander has awarm-summer humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps. The hottest temperature recorded in Lander was 102 °F (39 °C) on July 27, 1935, while the coldest temperature recorded was −40 °F (−40 °C) on December 19, 1924, and February 8, 1936.[23]
| Climate data for Lander, Wyoming (Hunt Field), 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1891–present | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 64 (18) | 68 (20) | 76 (24) | 83 (28) | 93 (34) | 100 (38) | 102 (39) | 101 (38) | 96 (36) | 86 (30) | 72 (22) | 65 (18) | 102 (39) |
| Mean maximum °F (°C) | 51.1 (10.6) | 54.5 (12.5) | 66.7 (19.3) | 75.4 (24.1) | 83.0 (28.3) | 91.5 (33.1) | 97.0 (36.1) | 95.2 (35.1) | 88.8 (31.6) | 78.5 (25.8) | 64.4 (18.0) | 53.4 (11.9) | 97.5 (36.4) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 32.8 (0.4) | 36.6 (2.6) | 48.6 (9.2) | 56.2 (13.4) | 66.1 (18.9) | 78.0 (25.6) | 87.7 (30.9) | 85.8 (29.9) | 74.6 (23.7) | 58.9 (14.9) | 44.3 (6.8) | 32.9 (0.5) | 58.5 (14.7) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 21.3 (−5.9) | 25.0 (−3.9) | 36.0 (2.2) | 43.2 (6.2) | 52.8 (11.6) | 62.8 (17.1) | 71.5 (21.9) | 69.8 (21.0) | 59.6 (15.3) | 45.4 (7.4) | 32.1 (0.1) | 21.6 (−5.8) | 45.1 (7.3) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 9.8 (−12.3) | 13.3 (−10.4) | 23.4 (−4.8) | 30.3 (−0.9) | 39.4 (4.1) | 47.7 (8.7) | 55.2 (12.9) | 53.8 (12.1) | 44.6 (7.0) | 32.0 (0.0) | 19.9 (−6.7) | 10.2 (−12.1) | 31.6 (−0.2) |
| Mean minimum °F (°C) | −10.3 (−23.5) | −6.1 (−21.2) | 5.5 (−14.7) | 17.2 (−8.2) | 27.5 (−2.5) | 36.8 (2.7) | 46.6 (8.1) | 44.9 (7.2) | 31.0 (−0.6) | 14.3 (−9.8) | 1.1 (−17.2) | −10.0 (−23.3) | −17.0 (−27.2) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −39 (−39) | −40 (−40) | −24 (−31) | −11 (−24) | 13 (−11) | 25 (−4) | 32 (0) | 23 (−5) | 7 (−14) | −14 (−26) | −31 (−35) | −40 (−40) | −40 (−40) |
| Averageprecipitation inches (mm) | 0.51 (13) | 0.70 (18) | 1.29 (33) | 2.07 (53) | 2.68 (68) | 1.08 (27) | 0.59 (15) | 0.52 (13) | 0.98 (25) | 1.40 (36) | 0.78 (20) | 0.63 (16) | 13.23 (336) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 8.2 (21) | 12.1 (31) | 14.4 (37) | 16.4 (42) | 4.5 (11) | 0.1 (0.25) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 1.5 (3.8) | 10.5 (27) | 10.6 (27) | 9.3 (24) | 87.6 (223) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ 0.01 in) | 4.1 | 5.4 | 5.8 | 8.4 | 9.1 | 5.9 | 4.7 | 5.0 | 5.7 | 5.9 | 4.9 | 4.3 | 69.2 |
| Average snowy days(≥ 0.1 in) | 4.3 | 5.4 | 4.7 | 5.5 | 1.8 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.6 | 3.6 | 4.4 | 4.9 | 35.3 |
| Mean monthlysunshine hours | 192.2 | 203.4 | 257.3 | 270.0 | 294.5 | 330.0 | 347.2 | 328.6 | 273.0 | 232.5 | 174.0 | 173.6 | 3,076.3 |
| Percentagepossible sunshine | 66.3 | 68.6 | 69.8 | 67.2 | 64.9 | 71.7 | 74.5 | 76.0 | 72.7 | 67.8 | 59.6 | 62.1 | 68.4 |
| Source 1: NOAA[24][23] | |||||||||||||
| Source 2: HKO (sun only, 1961−1990)[25] | |||||||||||||
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1880 | 193 | — | |
| 1890 | 525 | 172.0% | |
| 1900 | 737 | 40.4% | |
| 1910 | 1,812 | 145.9% | |
| 1920 | 2,133 | 17.7% | |
| 1930 | 1,826 | −14.4% | |
| 1940 | 2,594 | 42.1% | |
| 1950 | 3,349 | 29.1% | |
| 1960 | 4,182 | 24.9% | |
| 1970 | 7,125 | 70.4% | |
| 1980 | 7,867 | 10.4% | |
| 1990 | 7,023 | −10.7% | |
| 2000 | 6,867 | −2.2% | |
| 2010 | 7,487 | 9.0% | |
| 2020 | 7,546 | 0.8% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 7,615 | 0.9% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[15] | |||
As of the census[26] of 2010, there were 7,487 people, 3,161 households, and 1,932 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,603.2 inhabitants per square mile (619.0/km2). There were 3,385 housing units at an average density of 724.8 per square mile (279.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 88.0%White, 0.2%African American, 7.3%Native American, 0.6%Asian, 1.0% fromother races, and 2.9% from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino of any race were 4.8% of the population.
There were 3,161 households, of which 28.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.2% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.9% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.85.
The median age in the city was 40.3 years. 22.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.3% were from 25 to 44; 27.3% were from 45 to 64; and 17% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.0% male and 51.0% female.
As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 6,867 people, 2,794 households, and 1,824 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,554.0 people per square mile (599.9/km2). There were 3,036 housing units at an average density of 687.0 per square mile (265.2/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 90.81% White, 0.15% African American, 5.99% Native American, 0.32% Asian, 0.70% fromother races, and 2.04% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.48% of the population.
There were 2,794 households, out of which 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.5% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.7% were non-families. 30.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.91.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.1% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 26.7% from 25 to 44, 25.5% from 45 to 64, and 16.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.2 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $32,397, and the median income for a family was $41,958. Males had a median income of $30,602 versus $20,916 for females. Theper capita income for the city was $18,389. About 9.9% of families and 13.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.3% of those under age 18 and 9.3% of those age 65 or over.
Lander's economy is based on an array of industries and, like Wyoming as a whole, is supported by substantial tourism.[27] Outdoor recreation along with healthcare, education, construction and retail sales make up much of the economy.[18] The tourism season is primarily during summer months and though Lander and Fremont County are not near any major Interstate highway, the county generates significant income from travel related taxes.[28]
Lander is home to numerous state and federal government offices, including the U.S. Forest Service (Washakie Ranger District, Shoshone National Forest),[29] theBureau of Land Management (Lander Field Office),[30] theU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,[31][32] and a Resident Agency of the Denver Field Office of the FBI, as well as the Wyoming Life Resource Center[33] and the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality.[34] A major bronze foundry, Eagle Bronze, is located in Lander,[35] as is the headquarters of theNational Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)[36] and other environment and land-related non profit organizations including offices of theWyoming Outdoor Council, the Wyoming office ofThe Nature Conservancy, theWyoming Wildlife Federation, and Wyoming Catholic College.
| Occupation | Percent of Workforce |
|---|---|
| Office & Administrative Support Occupations | 13% |
| Education, Training, & Library Occupations | 12% |
| Health Diagnosing & Treating Practitioners & Other Technical Occupations | 7% |
| Construction & Extraction Occupations | 7% |
| Management Occupations | 7% |
| Installation, Maintenance, & Repair Occupations | 6% |
| Sales & Related Occupations | 6% |
| Personal Care & Service Occupations | 5% |
| Food Preparation & Serving Related Occupations | 5% |
| Building & Grounds Cleaning & Maintenance Occupations | 4% |
| Community & Social Service Occupations | 3% |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 3% |
| Transportation Occupations | 3% |
| Production Occupations | 3% |
| Life, Physical, & Social Science Occupations | 2% |
| Material Moving Occupations | 2% |
| Business & Financial Operations Occupations | 2% |
| Health Technologists & Technicians | 1% |
| Architecture & Engineering Occupations | 1% |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, & Media Occupations | 1% |
| Law Enforcement Workers Including Supervisors | 1% |
| Legal Occupations | 1% |
| Fire Fighting & Prevention, & Other Protective Service Workers Including Supervisors | 1% |
| Farming, Fishing, & Forestry Occupations | 1% |
Publications and websites covering or based in the Lander area include:
The Lander Art Center downtown displays rotating art exhibits, holds biannual art fairs, and hosts varying art classes.[37] The work ofWilliam Shakespeare is performed by the touring Wyoming Shakespeare Festival Company, a non-profit organization based out of Lander. The Lander Community Concerts Association has brought in various performing artists since 1947.[38] Lander's local library is the main branch of the Fremont County Library System,[39] the original localCarnegie library still stands as part of the current building.
In the early 1990s, the St. Louis based chamber-pop band, Lydia's Trumpet, recorded their song, "Lander" on the cassette release entitled: Valentine Waffle. The song is based on the city, its founder, and a nostalgic summer road trip there.
The town is one of the headquarters ofAsthmatic Kitty Records, founded bySufjan Stevens.
The Pioneer Days Parade and Rodeo takes place on July 3 and 4 every year.
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The Lander Brew Festival features samples from Rocky Mountain-area breweries and has been held since 2002.[40]
Lander is also home to the Wyoming State Winter Fair.[41] In addition to Livestock showings, there are also plenty of rodeo activities to see or participate in.
Other annual events include the International Climbers Festival, and the Annual One Shot Antelope Hunt.[42]
Outdoor attractions near Lander includeSinks Canyon State Park,Worthen Meadow Reservoir,Shoshone National Forest, theWind River Range, and theRed Desert. Additionally, Lander is home to a number of museums,[43] including the Fremont County Pioneer Museum, which focuses on the history of the Lander area; the Museum of the American West, which maintains a complex of historic structures; the Sacagawea Cemetery, the cemetery is located nearFort Washakie, 15 miles (24 km) north of Lander on theWind River Indian Reservation; the Lander Children's Museum, with hands-on exhibits; and the Evans Dahl Memorial Museum, dedicated to the Annual One Shot Antelope Hunt.[44] Several locations in Lander are listed on theNational Register of Historic Places including theLander Downtown Historic District,Jackson Park Town Site Addition Brick Row and theUS Post Office and Courthouse-Lander Main
Lander's city government is made up of an elected mayor, six-member city council, city clerk, treasurer and other departments, committees and appointed boards.[45] City elections are on a non-partisan basis with council members elected based on wards where they live with two council members elected for each ward.[45]
Since 1998, Lander and Fremont County have been represented in theWyoming State Senate byeconomist/businessmanCale Case, aRepublican.
Public education in the city of Lander is provided byFremont County School District #1.Lander Valley High School is the main high school. It is located just west of Main Street after the demolition of the historic high school. Despite attempts to preserve the school the land was sold and is now a business complex.Pathfinder is the alternative high school.
TheNational Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) was founded in Lander and is headquartered in the city. Its Rocky Mountain branch operates out of Lander. NOLS operates the Noble Hotel on Main Street for its instructors, students and alumni.
In 2007,Wyoming Catholic College, a four-year, coeducational, private college was founded in Lander. The college was only the second four-yearbrick and mortar institution of higher education ever in Wyoming. It was designed to give students a general liberal arts education via a Great Books curriculum, while allowing them to develop morally and spiritually in a small Catholic community. It uses an Outdoor Adventure Program to take students into the nearby Wind River Range to teach leadership, decision-making skills, and to ignite their imaginations. The college received its Apostolic Blessing in 2005 from Most ReverendDavid L. Ricken, DD, JCL, the Bishop ofCheyenne. As of 2019, Wyoming Catholic College received full accreditation by theHigher Learning Commission.
TheWyoming Department of Health Wyoming Life Resource Center (WLRC), originally the Wyoming State Training School (WSTS), a residential facility for physically and mentally disabled people, is located in Lander.[46][47] The facility was operated by theWyoming Board of Charities and Reform until that agency was dissolved as a result of a state constitutional amendment passed in November 1990.[48]
TheUnited States Postal Service operates the Lander Post Office.[49]
There is a small general aviation airport in Lander, calledHunt Field. Scheduled passenger airline service is available via theCentral Wyoming Regional Airport located nearRiverton, Wyoming.
The law enforcement within Lander consists of the Lander Police Department.
The 1926 filmWar Paint was shot in and around the Wind River Indian Reservation and Lander.[63]
The 2017 filmWind River is partially set in Lander, and features a shot of Main Street.[64]
In 2025, YouTuber Any Austin visited Lander due to its similarly to the city of Whiterun from the video game The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.[65]
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