South Pass City, Wyoming – An Authentic Ghost Town
Nestled approximately ten miles north of the famed Oregon Trail, South Pass City, Wyoming, stands as a remarkable testament to the ephemeral boom-and-bust cycles of the American West. Once a bustling gold mining camp teeming with dreams of fortune, it has evolved into one of Wyoming’s best-known and most authentically preserved ghost towns. A visit to South Pass City, Wyoming, offers a captivating journey back in time, allowing visitors to wander through the remnants of a bygone era and imagine life as it was in the heart of the 19th-century gold rush.
The story of South Pass City, Wyoming, begins in the summer of 1867, within a small valley carved by Willow Creek on the southeastern flank of the Wind River Mountains. A group of Mormon prospectors, driven by the allure of precious metals, struck gold in the surrounding hills, igniting a frenzy that would transform the quiet valley into a burgeoning settlement.
While traces of gold had been discovered in Sweetwater Creek as early as 1842, the region’s remoteness and the presence of native tribes – primarily the Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Sioux – kept large-scale mining operations at bay. These indigenous peoples, fiercely protective of their ancestral lands, frequently clashed with the encroaching settlers. Early miners were forced to maintain constant vigilance, posting lookouts to guard against potential attacks. Furthermore, the initial yields of gold were relatively modest, deterring a significant influx of prospectors until the arrival of U.S. Troops in 1866, providing a degree of security, however, attacks remained frequent.
The turning point arrived with the discovery of a substantial gold vein at what would become the Carissa Mine. This pivotal moment triggered a surge of migration, as miners, entrepreneurs, and families flocked to the area, eager to capitalize on the newfound wealth. By 1868, South Pass City, Wyoming, had blossomed into a vibrant community boasting over 250 buildings, a population exceeding 1,000, and hundreds of mining claims staked across the landscape. It became the first of three prominent mining camps in the Sweetwater Mining District, soon followed by the establishment of Atlantic City and Miners Delight. The growing influx of settlers prompted the construction of Fort Stambaugh in 1870, a permanent military post designed to protect the burgeoning settlements and mining operations.
South Pass City throbbed with the frenetic energy of a boomtown. Its half-mile-long main street was lined with a diverse array of businesses and establishments, catering to the needs and desires of its rapidly expanding population. Hotels offered weary travelers respite, while restaurants served hearty meals to fuel the miners’ arduous labor. General stores provided essential supplies, and two newspapers kept the community informed and connected. Doctors tended to the sick and injured, while a bowling alley offered a welcome diversion. And, as was characteristic of any self-respecting mining camp, dozens of saloons provided a place for miners to unwind, socialize, and perhaps, gamble away their hard-earned fortunes.
The Sweetwater Mining District continued to flourish, attracting as many as 3,000 residents at its peak. Eager to attract investors and further promote settlement in the region, newspapers and promoters often embellished the amount of gold to be found. This thriving settlement gained such prominence that it was designated the county seat of Carter County, then still part of the Dakota Territory. When Carter County transitioned to Wyoming Territory in 1869 and was subsequently renamed Sweetwater County, South Pass City retained its status as the county seat until 1873. (Later, Sweetwater County would become part of Fremont County when it was formed in 1884.)
However, the meteoric rise of South Pass City, Wyoming, was not destined to last. Just two years after its founding, the first signs of decline began to emerge. In early 1869, the town experienced its first slump. A brief resurgence occurred after an influx of outside capital, but the underlying challenges of gold extraction, coupled with the high costs and hardships involved, soon proved too much for most miners. By 1872, the population had dwindled to a few hundred, a stark contrast to the bustling community it once was.
Despite its short-lived prosperity, South Pass City left an indelible mark on American history. William Bright, a local saloon and mine owner, served in Wyoming’s First Territorial Legislature and championed the cause of women’s suffrage. His efforts culminated in the passage of a landmark bill in December 1869, making Wyoming the first state in the nation to grant women the right to vote.
Just three months later, history was made again when South Pass City resident Esther Hobart Morris became the first woman to hold public office in the United States. In February 1870, she was appointed as Justice of the Peace, presiding over 27 cases during her brief eight-month tenure.
Over the subsequent decades, South Pass City, Wyoming, experienced intermittent booms and busts, as mines were briefly revived before ultimately closing down once more. Despite the dwindling fortunes of the town, a number of optimistic residents remained, adapting to the changing circumstances by diversifying into ranching, timbering, and cottage industries.
Ultimately, however, South Pass City succumbed to the fate of many mining towns, transforming into a permanent ghost town. By 1949, the last of the pioneer families had departed, leaving the buildings to fall into disrepair. For the next two decades, the site was operated as a private tourist attraction, but the task of maintaining the aging structures proved increasingly challenging.
In 1966, the State of Wyoming stepped in to preserve this important piece of its history, purchasing the ghost townsite as a 75th birthday present for its citizens. Through a collaborative effort involving several state agencies and private organizations, the town has been meticulously restored, preserving its authenticity and historical integrity. Today, the site boasts 23 original structures and a collection of some 30,000 artifacts, almost all of which are original to the old settlement.
While the town has only about a half-dozen permanent residents, it comes alive during the summer months, as thousands of visitors flock to experience an authentic glimpse of the American West. Guided walking tours are available, starting at the 1890 dance hall, where a small entrance fee is collected. Knowledgeable volunteers are on hand to answer questions and share the stories of the people who once called South Pass City home.
Among the most interesting buildings to explore are the 1890 Carissa Saloon, the 1896 Smith-Sherlock Co. Store, the South Pass Hotel & Restaurant, and the Sweetwater County Jail. Visitors can also examine remnants of mining equipment at the Moses Sturman Stamp Mill, the Wolverine Mine Adit, and the remains of brick kilns. Just north of town lies the old Carissa Mine and Mill, acquired by the State of Wyoming in 2003. Ongoing environmental cleanup efforts are underway to prepare the site for future tours, allowing visitors to delve into the inner workings of a historic mine and mill. The old cemetery, located on a hill south of town, offers a poignant reminder of the lives lost in this remote outpost, although only four children’s graves are marked. A family member who recently visited the graveyard said many families moved their family members’ remains once South Pass City died.
Throughout the summer, various events bring the town to life, including Goldrush Days in July. The site is open to the public from May 15th through September 30th each year. Nearby attractions include the ghost towns of Atlantic City and Miners Delight, the Willie’s Handcart Historic Site, and the Oregon Trail.
The South Pass City State Historic Site is located two miles off Highway 28 and 131, approximately 35 miles south of Lander, Wyoming. It stands as a powerful reminder of the dreams, hardships, and enduring spirit of the pioneers who shaped the American West.