Diamondville

Diamondville is a town in Lincoln County, Wyoming, United States. The population was 55 at the 2020 census, making it one of the state's smallest incorporated municipalities. Founded as a company town for the Union Pacific Railroad's coal mining operations, its history is deeply tied to the Rocky Mountains' mineral extraction industry. Located near the larger community of Kemmerer, it sits in the Hams Fork valley of southwestern Wyoming.

History

The town's origins date to 1894 when the Union Pacific Coal Company established mining operations following the discovery of significant coal seams. It was named for the high-quality "black diamond" anthracite coal mined there, which fueled the steam locomotives of the Union Pacific Railroad. The early community was a classic company town, with housing, a company store, and amenities owned and operated by the mining enterprise. Major historical events include a devastating mine fire in the early 20th century and the broader economic shifts that followed the decline of the Union Pacific Railroad's reliance on steam locomotives. Like many communities in the region, it was affected by the rise of diesel locomotives and the subsequent closure of many Rocky Mountains coal mines in the mid-20th century.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.27 square miles, all land. It is situated in the Hams Fork valley, a tributary of the Green River, at an elevation of approximately 6,900 feet. The terrain is characterized by the high desert and sagebrush steppe typical of southwestern Wyoming, with the rugged peaks of the Wyoming Range visible to the west. The climate is classified as semi-arid, with cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers, consistent with the Rocky Mountains' Intermountain West region. Its location is just south of Kemmerer and near the Fossil Butte National Monument.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 55 people residing in the town. The population density was approximately 203 people per square mile. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with a small percentage identifying with two or more races. Historically, the population peaked in the early 20th century during the height of coal mining, with several hundred residents, many of whom were immigrants from Southern Europe and Eastern Europe drawn to mining work. The median age of residents is significantly higher than the national average, a common trend in rural Wyoming communities experiencing outmigration. A majority of housing units are owner-occupied.

Economy

The historical economy was dominated by the Union Pacific Coal Company's mining operations. Following the industry's decline, the economic base shifted. Some residents are employed in the energy sector, including nearby natural gas fields, or in trona mining and processing operations in Sweetwater County. Others work in retail, services, and government in neighboring Kemmerer, the Lincoln County seat. The town also benefits from proximity to Fossil Butte National Monument, which supports a small amount of tourism-related activity. The Kemmerer Coal Mine and other area energy projects remain significant regional employers.

Government

Diamondville operates under a mayor-council government system. The town is governed by an elected mayor and a four-member town council. It provides basic municipal services such as water, sewer, and law enforcement, often through interlocal agreements with Lincoln County or the city of Kemmerer. For state representation, the town is part of the Wyoming Senate's 16th district and the Wyoming House of Representatives' 18th district. At the federal level, it is within Wyoming's at-large congressional district and is represented in the United States Senate by John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis.

Category:Towns in Wyoming Category:Lincoln County, Wyoming Category:Populated places established in 1894