As the Union Pacific Railroad pushed west, it came across Crow Creek, which needed bridging. The railroad decided to create a townsite for its mountain region headquarters and Cheyenne came into existence, named by the townspeople for the Cheyenne Native American people. At the same time, the US Army built a fort a few miles further west, to protect the railroad. The railroad tracks reached the site on November 13, 1867, and the first train arrived the following day. Cheyenne grew so quickly it gained the nickname “Magic City of the Plains.” Initially a cavalry encampment, construction of Fort D.A. Russell began immediately. The fort was renamed Fort Francis E. Warren in 1930 in honor of the first Governor of the State and transferred to the US Air Force in October 1949. In 1868, the US organized the Territory of Wyoming, and the following year the governor named Cheyenne the temporary territorial capital. Cheyenne has remained the capital of Wyoming ever since.

Sports venues in Cheyenne include the Cheyenne Ice and Events Center, Pioneer Park, Powers Field, Bison Stadium and Okie-Blanchard Stadium. The city operates a swimming pool, a spray park, a skateboard park, two golf courses, the Botanic Gardens, including a children's village, summer paddle boat rentals in Lions Park and a miniature golf park. It also operates the Greater Cheyenne Greenway system, a 40-mile trail which connects parks and neighborhoods. It includes many bridges and underpasses so pedestrians and cyclists can avoid roads and waterways.
There is a great choice of historical buildings and colonial houses which have been beautifully preserved and serve as museums today. The Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley is highly recommended. Visitors can get on and off at various stops to visit museums, do a bit of shopping, relax at a coffee shop or enjoy delicious cuisine in great restaurants.
Wyoming State Museum
The museum was established in 1895 to collect, preserve, and interpret a diverse range of objects, including history, art, anthropology and natural history. The museum’s permanent exhibits trace Wyoming’s past, featuring human history, major industries, paleontology, wildlife and landscapes. Temporary exhibits include a changing gallery that highlights different Wyoming artists.
Cheyenne Depot Museum
The Union Pacific Depot is the last of the grand 19th century buildings remaining on the transcontinental railroad, forming a strategic point along the Union Pacific Railroad, America’s first transcontinental rail line. In 1993, Union Pacific donated the building to the city, and it has since undergone extensive rehabilitation and now houses the Cheyenne Depot Museum and a brewpub/restaurant.
Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum
The Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum supports the legacy of Cheyenne Frontier Days. It preserves and interprets the art and material culture of the American West, and offers year-round educational, cultural and children’s programs.
Cheyenne Frontier Days
At the inaugural event in July 1897, events included pony races, bronco busting, and steer roping. At the time, these were seen as tests of a cowboy’s skill. The inaugural event was so successful that the next year it was expanded to two days and a parade was added. The rodeo expanded over the years while its reputation increased. Today it is one of the largest and most authentic rodeo events in the world. It draws top professionals who compete for more than $1 million in cash and prizes. Complementing the daily rodeo action are behind-the-chutes tours, trick riding and a wild-horse race. A Native American Village, an old frontier town, a saloon, dancing, a chuck wagon cook-off, pancake breakfasts and an art show carry through the frontier theme. Rounding out the program are a carnival midway, an air show, top-name entertainment, professional bull riding shows and several parades that include antique carriages and automobiles.
Historic Governors' Mansion
Built in 1904, this grand Colonial Revival-style mansion was home to 19 of Wyoming's First Families, including the first female governor in the US. Docents orient visitors to the home before sending them on self-guided tours of the mansion.