Countryaah.com

Cities and Towns in Albany County, Wyoming

by · Published · Updated

Founded in 1868, Albany County is one of 23 counties in the state of Wyoming. Historically, Albany County was one of the original five counties. The city of Laramie is the county seat. With FIPS code of 1, Albany County has a population of 37,608 and area of 4,274 square miles (11,070 km²).

 

List of all cities in Albany County, WY alphabetically

  • Bosler, WY
  • Buford, WY
  • Centennial, WY
  • Garrett, WY
  • Jelm, WY
  • Laramie, WY
  • Rock River, WY
  • Tie Siding, WY

Major Cities and Towns in Albany County, Wyoming

Laramie

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 17.76 square miles
  • Population: 32,711 (as of the last census)
  • ZIP Codes: 82070, 82072
  • Latitude and Longitude:
    • Latitude: 41.3114° N
    • Longitude: 105.5911° W

Location and History

Laramie is the county seat of Albany County, situated in southeastern Wyoming along the Laramie River and nestled between the Snowy Range and Laramie Range mountains. The city was founded in 1868 as a tent city along the Union Pacific Railroad during the construction of the transcontinental railroad. Named after Jacques LaRamie, a French-Canadian trapper, Laramie quickly grew into a bustling frontier town. It gained a reputation as a lawless outpost in its early years but gradually became more stable with the establishment of civic institutions. Laramie is home to the University of Wyoming, the state’s flagship university, established in 1886. The presence of the university has shaped Laramie into a vibrant, culturally rich community with a strong focus on education and research. Today, Laramie is known for its blend of Western heritage, outdoor recreation opportunities, and academic influence.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Laramie is served by Albany County School District #1, which includes Laramie High School, Laramie Middle School, and several elementary schools. The University of Wyoming is a central landmark, offering not only educational opportunities but also cultural and sporting events. The Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site is another significant landmark, offering a glimpse into the city’s early history. The Snowy Range Scenic Byway and Vedauwoo Recreation Area, located nearby, provide ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and enjoying Wyoming’s rugged natural beauty.

Rock River

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 2.07 square miles
  • Population: 245 (as of the last census)
  • ZIP Codes: 82083
  • Latitude and Longitude:
    • Latitude: 41.7394° N
    • Longitude: 105.9717° W

Location and History

Rock River is a small town located in northern Albany County, Wyoming, along the banks of the Rock Creek. The town was established in the late 19th century as a railroad stop along the Union Pacific Railroad, serving as a key point for livestock shipment and supplies in the region. The town’s name is derived from the nearby Rock Creek, which provided essential water resources for both the town and the railroad. Rock River has historically been a quiet, rural community with an economy largely based on agriculture and ranching. Over the years, it has maintained its small-town character, offering a peaceful lifestyle for its residents. The town is also a gateway to nearby outdoor recreational areas, making it a popular spot for those looking to explore Wyoming’s natural landscapes.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Rock River is served by Rock River School, which provides education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The town’s small size means that community life often centers around the school and its activities. A notable landmark in Rock River is the historic Rock River Depot, a reminder of the town’s origins as a railroad stop. The surrounding areas offer opportunities for outdoor activities, including fishing and hiking along Rock Creek and exploring the nearby Medicine Bow National Forest.

Centennial

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 1.23 square miles
  • Population: 270 (as of the last census)
  • ZIP Codes: 82055
  • Latitude and Longitude:
    • Latitude: 41.3006° N
    • Longitude: 106.1444° W

Location and History

Centennial is a small unincorporated community in Albany County, Wyoming, located at the base of the Snowy Range Mountains in the Medicine Bow National Forest. The town was founded in 1876, coinciding with the United States’ centennial, and initially served as a supply center for nearby gold mining camps. The boom in mining led to a brief period of rapid growth, but as the gold rush waned, so did the population. Despite its decline as a mining town, Centennial has remained an important gateway to the Snowy Range, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and tourists with its proximity to pristine mountain landscapes. Today, Centennial is known for its historical buildings, scenic beauty, and as a starting point for exploring the Snowy Range Scenic Byway.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Centennial is part of Albany County School District #1, with students typically attending schools in nearby Laramie. The town’s most prominent landmark is the Centennial Depot Museum, housed in a former Union Pacific Railroad depot, which offers insights into the area’s history and the early days of settlement. The nearby Medicine Bow Peak, the highest point in the Snowy Range, is a major draw for hikers and climbers. Additionally, the Nici Self Historical Museum provides a deeper understanding of the town’s mining heritage and the local culture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Bosler

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 0.45 square miles
  • Population: Fewer than 20 residents
  • ZIP Codes: 82051
  • Latitude and Longitude:
    • Latitude: 41.5478° N
    • Longitude: 105.6922° W

Location and History

Bosler is a small, nearly abandoned town in Albany County, Wyoming, located north of Laramie along U.S. Highway 30. The town was established in the early 20th century as a railroad town along the Union Pacific Railroad, serving as a stopover for trains and a shipping point for cattle from the surrounding ranches. Bosler once had a post office, general store, and several homes, but as the importance of the railroad declined and transportation shifted to highways, the town’s population dwindled. Today, Bosler is largely a ghost town, with only a few structures remaining and a handful of residents. The town’s isolation and history make it an intriguing site for those interested in Wyoming’s past and the remnants of the Old West.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Bosler is part of Albany County School District #1, with students typically traveling to Laramie for schooling. There are no major landmarks within Bosler itself, but its proximity to the open plains and the Laramie Range offers stunning views and opportunities for solitude. The remnants of the old Bosler general store and post office stand as silent witnesses to the town’s more active days. Nearby, the Medicine Bow National Forest provides a contrast to the desolation of Bosler, offering outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

Read more: