Laramie, Wyoming

Laramie, Wyoming
Name	Laramie, Wyoming
Settlement type	City
Nickname	Gem City of the Plains
Pushpin label	Laramie
Coordinates	41, 18, 40, N...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Wyoming
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Albany
Established title	Founded
Established date	1868
Government type	Council–manager
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Paul Weaver
Leader title1	City Manager
Leader name1	Janine Jordan
Unit pref	Imperial
Area total sq mi	18.67
Area land sq mi	18.66
Area water sq mi	0.01
Elevation ft	7165
Population total	31,407
Population as of	2020
Population density sq mi	auto
Timezone	Mountain (MST)
Utc offset	−7
Timezone DST	MDT
Utc offset DST	−6
Postal code type	ZIP Codes
Postal code	82070-82073
Area code	307
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank info	56-45050
Blank1 name	GNIS feature ID
Blank1 info	1609095
Website	www.cityoflaramie.org

Laramie, Wyoming is the county seat of Albany County, Wyoming and a prominent city on the high plains of the southeastern part of the state. Founded in 1868 as an end-of-track town for the Union Pacific Railroad, it has grown into an educational and cultural hub, anchored by the University of Wyoming. The city is situated between the Laramie Mountains and the Snowy Range, offering a unique blend of historical significance and outdoor recreation.

History

The area's history is deeply tied to westward expansion, initially inhabited by indigenous peoples such as the Arapaho and Cheyenne. The establishment of Fort Sanders in 1866 provided protection for workers on the First transcontinental railroad, and the city was officially founded with the arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad. Laramie briefly gained a notorious reputation in its early days, with figures like Big Nose George Parrott contributing to its lawless atmosphere before the arrival of territorial governance. The founding of the University of Wyoming in 1886 marked a pivotal shift toward education and permanence. The city was also an early adopter of women's suffrage, with Louisa Swain casting a historic ballot in 1870.

Geography

Located on the Laramie River at an elevation of over 7,000 feet on the Laramie Plains, the city is bordered by the Laramie Mountains to the east and the Medicine Bow Mountains, home to the Snowy Range, to the west. This high-altitude, semi-arid climate features the Laramie Basin and is intersected by Interstate 80, following the path of the historic Overland Trail and Lincoln Highway. Notable nearby natural features include the Vedauwoo rock formations and the Curt Gowdy State Park.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 31,407, with a significant portion consisting of students and staff from the University of Wyoming. The city's demographic profile is shaped by the university, its Albany County campus, and associated research centers like the Wyoming Infrared Observatory. The presence of these institutions attracts a transient and educated population, contributing to a diverse community within Albany County, Wyoming.

Economy

The economy is dominated by the University of Wyoming, a major employer alongside state government agencies. Key sectors include education, research, and healthcare, with institutions like Ivinson Memorial Hospital playing a central role. The Union Pacific Railroad remains a historic and ongoing presence, while tourism related to outdoor activities and events like Jubilee Days provides seasonal economic activity. The Wyoming Territorial Prison state historic site also contributes to the cultural and tourist economy.

Culture and recreation

As the home of the University of Wyoming, the city hosts cultural venues like the University of Wyoming Art Museum and the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts, which features performances by the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra. The Wyoming Cowboys and Cowgirls athletic teams compete in the Mountain West Conference. Outdoor recreation is centered on the nearby Medicine Bow National Forest, offering skiing at Snowy Range Ski Area, hiking, and rock climbing at Vedauwoo. The city celebrates its heritage with the annual Laramie Jubilee Days rodeo and maintains the Wyoming Territorial Prison as a museum.

Government

The city operates under a city council–manager government system, with a mayor and city council elected at-large. The city manager oversees daily administrative operations. As the county seat, it houses the Albany County Courthouse and various state judicial and administrative offices. The city provides services through departments like the Laramie Police Department and partners with entities such as the Laramie Rivers Conservation District for resource management.

Category:Cities in Wyoming Category:Albany County, Wyoming Category:County seats in Wyoming