Worland

Worland has a colorful history, as most Western towns do. Settled by Charles "Dad" Worland, the whole town was put on skids and moved across the river ice when the railroad came through on the other side.

In 1906, visitor George W. Ellsworth wrote to friends in Nebraksa that "that this town is too swift for me.  I cannot think of brining my family to such a town as this will be for the next few years."

He also said "There are five saloons here already and talk of getting a brewery in soon.  Most of the saloons harbor a nest of professional gamblers and thugs and it is altogether the toughest place I ever struck."

It was quite the rough and tumble town to start out. You can read Ellsworth's entire letter describing Worland and the lands of the Big Horn Basin. Letter Transcription or Original Newspaper Clipping (PDF)

The Wyoming Historical Society has a detailed history of Washakie County if you would like to read more.

Stephanie Ashby, County Coordinator