Cities and Towns in Converse County, Wyoming
Founded in 1888, Converse County is one of 23 counties in the state of Wyoming. Historically, Converse County was formed from parts of Albany County and Laramie County. The city of Douglas is the county seat. With FIPS code of 9, Converse County has a population of 13,672 and area of 4,255 square miles (11,020 km²).
List of all cities in Converse County, WY alphabetically
- Douglas, WY
- Glenrock, WY
- Lost Springs, WY
- Shawnee, WY
Major Cities and Towns in Converse County, Wyoming
Douglas
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 4.85 square miles
- Population: 6,120 (as of the last census)
- ZIP Codes: 82633
- Latitude and Longitude:
- Latitude: 42.7597° N
- Longitude: 105.3822° W
Location and History
Douglas is the county seat of Converse County, located in east-central Wyoming along the North Platte River. The city was established in 1886 as a railroad town for the Fremont, Elkhorn, and Missouri Valley Railroad, and it quickly grew into a significant livestock shipping point. Named after Stephen A. Douglas, an Illinois senator and opponent of Abraham Lincoln in the 1860 presidential election, the city became known for its proximity to Fort Fetterman, a key military post during the Indian Wars. Douglas is also famously associated with the mythical creature known as the jackalope, a fictional animal that has become a quirky symbol of the city. Today, Douglas serves as a regional hub for agriculture, energy production, and tourism, with a rich history that continues to be celebrated by the community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Douglas is served by Converse County School District #1, which includes Douglas High School, Douglas Middle School, and several elementary schools. The city is home to several notable landmarks, including the Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum, which preserves the history of the region’s early settlers and the state’s pioneer heritage. Another key attraction is the Douglas Railroad Interpretive Center, where visitors can explore historic railroad cars and learn about the city’s railroading past. The Fort Fetterman State Historic Site, located just outside Douglas, offers a glimpse into Wyoming’s military history and the role of the fort during the expansion of the American West.
Glenrock
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 2.25 square miles
- Population: 2,576 (as of the last census)
- ZIP Codes: 82637
- Latitude and Longitude:
- Latitude: 42.8614° N
- Longitude: 105.8603° W
Location and History
Glenrock is a town in Converse County, Wyoming, situated along the North Platte River and Deer Creek. The town was established in the late 19th century and originally served as a stopover point for pioneers traveling westward on the Oregon Trail. Glenrock’s name is derived from the sandstone outcroppings, or “glen rocks,” that are prevalent in the area. The town’s location along major transportation routes made it a key center for trade, particularly in livestock and agricultural products. Over time, Glenrock expanded its economy to include energy production, with nearby coal, oil, and natural gas resources playing a significant role in its development. Today, Glenrock is a vibrant community with a strong connection to its pioneer past and a growing emphasis on outdoor recreation and tourism.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Glenrock is served by Converse County School District #2, which includes Glenrock High School, Glenrock Intermediate/Middle School, and Grant Elementary School. Notable landmarks in the town include the Glenrock Paleon Museum, which showcases local dinosaur fossils and provides educational exhibits on paleontology and the region’s prehistoric past. The Deer Creek Museum offers insights into the town’s history, including its role in the Oregon Trail migration and the development of the local economy. Additionally, Glenrock is located near the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, providing residents and visitors with opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Rolling Hills
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 2.08 square miles
- Population: 440 (as of the last census)
- ZIP Codes: 82637
- Latitude and Longitude:
- Latitude: 42.8728° N
- Longitude: 105.8947° W
Location and History
Rolling Hills is a small town in Converse County, Wyoming, located just north of Glenrock. The town was incorporated in 1984, making it one of the newer municipalities in the region. Rolling Hills was initially developed as a residential community for workers employed in the nearby coal mines and energy industries, particularly those working at the Dave Johnston Power Plant. The town’s name reflects the gently rolling landscape that characterizes the area. Rolling Hills has maintained its status as a quiet, close-knit community, with a focus on providing a peaceful residential environment for its inhabitants. The town’s proximity to Glenrock and Douglas offers residents easy access to additional amenities and services.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Rolling Hills is part of Converse County School District #2, with students attending schools in nearby Glenrock, such as Glenrock High School. The town itself is small, with few formal landmarks, but it benefits from its proximity to the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The North Platte River and nearby parks offer opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing, hiking, and picnicking. Residents of Rolling Hills also enjoy easy access to the amenities and attractions of Glenrock, including the Glenrock Paleon Museum and the historic sites related to the Oregon Trail.
Lost Springs
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.09 square miles
- Population: 4 (as of the last census)
- ZIP Codes: 82224
- Latitude and Longitude:
- Latitude: 42.7614° N
- Longitude: 104.9219° W
Location and History
Lost Springs is one of the smallest incorporated towns in the United States, located in Converse County, Wyoming. The town was established in the early 20th century as a stop along the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. Lost Springs originally served as a supply point for nearby coal mines, and at its peak, the town had a population of around 200 people. The town’s name reportedly comes from the difficulty railroad surveyors had in locating a reliable water source in the area. Over the years, as the coal mines closed and the railroad’s importance diminished, the population of Lost Springs declined dramatically. Today, Lost Springs is a symbol of Wyoming’s small, rural communities, with only a handful of residents but a rich history that reflects the challenges of life on the American frontier.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lost Springs is part of Converse County School District #1, with students attending schools in nearby Douglas. The town’s small size means it has few formal landmarks, but it is notable for its historic post office and general store, which served the community for many years. The town’s location along the old railroad line and its history as a coal mining supply point make it a point of interest for those exploring Wyoming’s lesser-known historical sites. The surrounding plains and open spaces offer a stark, beautiful landscape typical of the Wyoming high plains, providing opportunities for solitude and reflection.