The Union Pacific Railroad platted its Crow Creek Crossing townsite on July 5, 1867.[10] Residents named the town Cheyenne for theCheyenneNative American people.[11] 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.[11] The tracks of the Union Pacific Railroad reached Cheyenne on November 13, 1867, and the first train arrived the following day.[10] Cheyenne grew so quickly it gained the nickname of "Magic City of the Plains".[8]
On July 10, 1890, the Territory of Wyoming was admitted to theUnion as theState of Wyoming.[15] TheWyoming State Capitol was constructed between 1886 and 1890, with further improvements being completed in 1917.
TheCheyenne Regional Airport was opened in 1920, initially serving as a stop forairmail. It soon developed into a civil-military airport, servingDC-3s and various military craft. During World War II, hundreds ofB-17s,B-24s, andPBYs were outfitted and upgraded at the airfield. Today, it serves a number of military functions, and as a high-altitude testbed for civilian craft.[16]
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 24.63 square miles (63.79 km2), of which 24.52 square miles (63.51 km2) is land and 0.11 square miles (0.28 km2) is water.[17]
Cheyenne, like much of Wyoming, has acold semi-arid climate (KöppenBSk) and is part of USDAHardiness zone 5b, with the suburbs falling in zone 5a.[18] 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.[19] However, the cold is often interrupted, withchinook winds blowing downslope from the Rockies that can bring warm conditions, bringing the high above 50 °F (10 °C) on twenty days from December to February.[19]
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.[19] Summers are warm, with a highdiurnal temperature range; July averages 69.4 °F (20.8 °C), and highs reach 90 °F (32 °C) on average for twelve 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.[19] 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.[19] 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.[19]
The city averages below 60% daily relative humidity in each month and receives an average 2,980 hours (~67% of the possible total) of sunshine annually. On July 16, 1979, anF3tornado struck Cheyenne, causing one death and 40 injuries.[20] It was the most destructive tornado in Wyoming history.[21]
U.S. Decennial Census[27] 1870–2000 census[28] [29]
In 2020, Cheyenne had a total population of 65,132.[29] As of thecensus of 2010,[4] there were 59,467 people, 25,558 households, and 15,270 families living in the city. The population density was 2,425.2 inhabitants per square mile (936.4/km2). There were 27,284 housing units at an average density of 1,112.7 per square mile (429.6/km2). As of the census of 2000,[5] there were 53,011 people, 22,324 households, 14,175 families living in the city, and 81,607 people living in the metropolitan statistical area, making it the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Wyoming. The population density was 2,511.4 inhabitants per square mile (969.6/km2). There were 23,782 housing units at an average density of 1,126.7 per square mile (435.0/km2).
At the 2019American Community Survey, the city had an owner-occupied housing rate of 65.9% with a median value at $214,300. There were 27,344 households from 2015 to 2019, and an average of 2.20 persons per household.[30] 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.
In 2010, there were 25,558 households, of which 30.2% had children under the age of 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 non-families. 33.5% 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 2.29 and the average family size was 2.92. In 2000, 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.
The median age in the city was 36.5 years at the 2010 census. Twenty-four percent of residents were under the age of 18; 9.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.9% were from 25 to 44; 26.2% were from 45 to 64; and 13.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.3% male and 50.7% female. In 2000, 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% 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 thepoverty line, including 11.1% of those under age 18 and 5.8% of those age 65 or over.
TheU.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.[36]
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% fromother races, and 3.28% from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino 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.[37]
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. 12.5% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
Cheyenne Frontier Days, which is held over ten days centered around the last full week in July, is known as the largest outdoorrodeo 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. During this week there are many parades and other events. Additionally there is a carnival with numerous rides, games, and shops. The festival has been held since 1897.[38]
In 2012, theCheyenne Warriors were founded as anAmerican Professional Football League team. After playing a season in the APFL, they announced a move to theIndoor 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.
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 a 37 miles (60 kilometers) 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 theNational Park service and theAmerican Hiking Society.[51]
Cheyenne's government consists of a mayor and a city council, elected on a non-partisan 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.[52] The city council has nine members each of whom are 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.[53] The Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities is owned by the city but is semi-autonomous.[54]
In March 2025, Cheyenne Police Chief Mark Francisco announced a nearly full sworn officer staff with 111 of 115 positions filled.[55]
Public education in all of the city of Cheyenne is provided byLaramie County School District #1.[56] The district is served by four high schools,Central High on the northwest side,East High on the east side,South High on the south side, and Triumph High, also on the south side.
US 85 (South Greeley Highway, Central Avenue (Southbound), Warren Avenue (Northbound)) – North–South route through Cheyenne
US 87 – North–South through Cheyenne thatruns 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 toHorse Creek.
WYO 212 (College Drive, Four Mile Road) – North–South route that forms a beltway around Cheyenne. From I-25 (Exit 7) toWYO 219
WYO 219 (Yellowstone Road) – North–South route from US 85 in Cheyenne near the Cheyenne Airport north out of the city
WYO 221 (Fox Farm Road) – East–west route from US 85 east toWYO 212 in Cheyenne
WYO 222 (Fort Access Road) – North–South route from WYO 225 just southeast of Cheyenne and travels north toF.E. Warren Air Force Base and continues on its north route east of the city to WYO 221
WYO 225 (Otto Road) – East–west route from I-80/US 30 southwest of Cheyenne west
TheUnion Pacific andBNSF railroads intersect in Cheyenne. The city is home to both a BNSF railyard and Union Pacific railyard, the latter of which houses the Union Pacific roundhouse that hosts their steam program. UP's operational steam locomotives844 and4014 reside in the steam shop. By November 2022, Challenger 3985 was moved to its new home atSilvis, Illinois, along with Centennial unit 6936, & 2-10-2 number 5511.[60]
Robert Mills Grant (1926–2012), rancher, expert in branding law, state representative; born and died in Cheyenne but spent his life inPlatte County[73]
Wayne Harold Johnson (1942–2020), Republican member of both houses, respectively, of the Wyoming State Legislature from 1993 to 2016; resident of Cheyenne[83]
Alvin Wiederspahn (1949–2014), Cheyenne lawyer, historical preservationist, rancher, and member of both houses of the Wyoming State Legislature; husband of U.S. RepresentativeCynthia Lummis[96]
^Mean monthly maxima and minima (i.e. the expected highest and lowest temperature readings at any point during the year or given month) calculated based on data at said location from 1991 to 2020.
^Official records for Cheyenne kept at the City Office from January 1871 to August 1935 and at Cheyenne Regional since September 1935.[22]
^abcBecky Orr (June 30, 2017)."How Cheyenne got started"(PDF). Wyoming Tribune Eagle.Archived(PDF) from the original on July 3, 2020. RetrievedOctober 29, 2020.
^"Station: Cheyenne, WY".U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991–2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived fromthe original on July 5, 2023. RetrievedDecember 10, 2021.
^"Sparta Wyoming 4: History Awaits".Overtime Heroics.Archived from the original on September 13, 2024. RetrievedSeptember 14, 2024.This will be the first Lethwei title fight in the 2000+ year history of the sport to take place in the United States [...] held at The Outlaw Saloon in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
.jpg)
.JPG)
_-_Cheyenne_Area%2c_WY(ThreadEx).svg)
