Cities and Towns in Sweetwater County, Wyoming
Founded in 1867, Sweetwater County is one of 23 counties in the state of Wyoming. Historically, Sweetwater County was one of the original five counties. The city of Green River is the county seat. With FIPS code of 37, Sweetwater County has a population of 41,614 and area of 10,426 square miles (27,003 km²).
List of all cities in Sweetwater County, WY alphabetically
- Bairoil, WY
- Farson, WY
- Granger, WY
- Green River, WY
- Little America, WY
- Mc Kinnon, WY
- Point of Rocks, WY
- Reliance, WY
- Rock Springs, WY
- Superior, WY
- Wamsutter, WY
Major Cities and Towns in Sweetwater County, Wyoming
Rock Springs
- Area: 19.36 square miles
- Population: 23,526 (as of the 2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 82901, 82902
- Latitude and Longitude: 41.5875° N, 109.2025° W
Location and History
Rock Springs, the largest city in Sweetwater County, is located in southwestern Wyoming. The city was founded in the mid-19th century as a coal mining town, serving the Union Pacific Railroad, which needed a steady supply of coal for its steam locomotives. Rock Springs quickly became known as the “Home of 56 Nationalities,” due to the diverse immigrant workforce that came to work in the mines. This rich cultural heritage is still celebrated today. The city was also the site of the infamous Rock Springs Massacre in 1885, a violent labor dispute between Chinese and white miners that highlighted the racial tensions of the era. Over time, Rock Springs diversified its economy, but coal mining and energy production remain significant industries. Today, the city is known for its strong sense of community, cultural diversity, and proximity to outdoor recreational opportunities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Rock Springs is served by Sweetwater County School District #1, with Rock Springs High School being the primary educational institution. The city is home to several notable landmarks, including the Rock Springs Historical Museum, which offers exhibits on the city’s mining heritage and cultural diversity. Another key site is the Bunning Park, a central gathering place for community events and concerts. The nearby Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping, while the White Mountain Petroglyphs provide a glimpse into the area’s ancient Native American history. The annual International Day festival celebrates Rock Springs’ diverse heritage with food, music, and cultural performances from around the world. Rock Springs’ blend of history, cultural diversity, and outdoor activities make it a vibrant and welcoming community.
Green River
- Area: 14.02 square miles
- Population: 11,825 (as of the 2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 82935
- Latitude and Longitude: 41.5283° N, 109.4664° W
Location and History
Green River, the county seat of Sweetwater County, is located along the banks of the Green River in southwestern Wyoming. The city was established in 1868 as a stop along the Union Pacific Railroad, but its history dates back to earlier explorers and trappers who used the river as a route through the region. Green River grew as a transportation and trade hub, with the railroad bringing economic development to the area. The city’s location on the river made it an important point for shipping goods and for travelers heading west. Today, Green River is known for its scenic beauty, rich history, and strong connection to the surrounding natural environment.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Green River is served by Sweetwater County School District #2, with Green River High School being the primary educational institution. The city is home to several key landmarks, including Expedition Island, where John Wesley Powell launched his famous 1869 expedition down the Green and Colorado Rivers. The island is now a park and historic site, offering recreational opportunities and a glimpse into the city’s exploration history. Another significant landmark is the Green River Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, which provides information on local attractions and the nearby Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. The annual River Festival celebrates the community’s connection to the Green River with boat races, concerts, and family-friendly activities. Green River’s rich history, scenic location, and outdoor recreation make it a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.
Wamsutter
- Area: 2.46 square miles
- Population: 451 (as of the 2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 82336
- Latitude and Longitude: 41.6681° N, 107.9871° W
Location and History
Wamsutter is a small town located in the eastern part of Sweetwater County, along Interstate 80. The town was established in the early 20th century as a railroad stop for the Union Pacific Railroad, which needed a place for trains to take on water and fuel. Wamsutter’s location in the Red Desert region of Wyoming made it an important logistical point for both the railroad and later for the oil and gas industries, which became significant economic drivers for the town. Despite its small size, Wamsutter has played an important role in the development of energy resources in the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Wamsutter is served by the Carbon County School District #1, with students typically attending schools in nearby Rawlins. The town is known for its remote location and connection to the vast open spaces of the Red Desert. A key landmark in Wamsutter is the Bitter Creek Rest Area, which provides travelers with information about the area’s natural history and the nearby Overland Trail, a historic route used by pioneers heading west. The surrounding desert landscape offers opportunities for exploring the unique geology and wildlife of the region, including wild horses and pronghorns. The town’s annual events, such as community barbecues and local fairs, bring residents together and celebrate Wamsutter’s tight-knit community spirit. Wamsutter’s role as a gateway to the Red Desert and its importance to Wyoming’s energy industry make it a unique and resilient community in Sweetwater County.
Superior
- Area: 1.87 square miles
- Population: 336 (as of the 2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 82945
- Latitude and Longitude: 41.7636° N, 108.9710° W
Location and History
Superior is a small town located northeast of Rock Springs in Sweetwater County. The town was founded in the early 1900s as a coal mining community, with its name reflecting the “superior” quality of the coal found in the area. At its peak, Superior was a bustling town with several coal mines operating in the vicinity, providing fuel for the Union Pacific Railroad and contributing to the regional economy. However, as the demand for coal declined in the mid-20th century, the mines closed, and the town’s population decreased significantly. Today, Superior is a quiet, small town with a rich history rooted in Wyoming’s coal mining past.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Superior is part of the Sweetwater County School District #1, with students typically attending schools in nearby Rock Springs. The town is known for its historic buildings and remnants of its coal mining heritage. A key landmark in Superior is the old Union Hall, which once served as a gathering place for miners and now stands as a reminder of the town’s vibrant past. The surrounding landscape offers opportunities for hiking, exploring abandoned mine sites, and enjoying the rugged beauty of southwestern Wyoming. Superior’s annual events, such as community picnics and historical tours, bring residents together and celebrate the town’s history and close-knit community. The town’s legacy as a coal mining hub and its transition to a quieter, rural community make Superior a place of historical significance in Sweetwater County.
Granger
- Area: 0.25 square miles
- Population: 139 (as of the 2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 82934
- Latitude and Longitude: 41.5942° N, 109.9697° W
Location and History
Granger is a small town located in the southwestern part of Sweetwater County, near the confluence of the Ham’s Fork and Blacks Fork rivers. The town was established in the mid-19th century as a stop along the Overland Trail, a major route for settlers heading west. Granger later became an important stop for the Pony Express and the Union Pacific Railroad, serving as a supply point and rest stop for travelers and freight. The town’s history is deeply connected to the westward expansion and the development of transportation routes through Wyoming. Today, Granger is a small, rural community with a rich historical legacy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Granger is part of the Sweetwater County School District #2, with students typically attending schools in nearby Green River. The town is home to the Granger Stage Station State Historic Site, a preserved stagecoach station that served as a key stop along the Overland Trail and later as a Pony Express station. The site offers visitors a glimpse into the town’s historical significance and the challenges faced by early travelers in the region. The nearby Blacks Fork and Ham’s Fork rivers provide opportunities for fishing and exploring the scenic landscape. Granger’s annual community events, such as local fairs and historical reenactments, celebrate the town’s history and bring residents together. The town’s small size, historical significance, and connection to the Overland Trail make Granger a unique and historically rich community in Sweetwater County.