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Casper, Wyoming: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 42°51′0″N 106°19′30″W / 42.85000°N 106.32500°W / 42.85000; -106.32500
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{{Use American English|date=December 2019}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
|name = Casper, Wyoming
|name = Casper, Wyoming
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|government_type = [[Council–manager government|Council–manager]]<ref>{{cite web|title=City Council and Manager - City of Casper|url=https://www.casperwy.gov/government/city_council_and_manager|publisher=City of Casper|access-date=December 18, 2019}}</ref>
|government_type = [[Council–manager government|Council–manager]]<ref>{{cite web|title=City Council and Manager - City of Casper|url=https://www.casperwy.gov/government/city_council_and_manager|publisher=City of Casper|access-date=December 18, 2019}}</ref>
|leader_title = [[City Manager]]
|leader_title = [[City Manager]]
|leader_name = [[Carter Napier]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.casperwy.gov/government/city_council_and_manager/city_manager|title=City Manager - City of Casper|website=Casperwy.gov|access-date=January 9, 2018}}</ref>
|leader_name = Carter Napier<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.casperwy.gov/government/city_council_and_manager/city_manager|title=City Manager - City of Casper|website=Casperwy.gov|access-date=January 9, 2018}}</ref>
|established_title =
|established_title =
|established_date =
|established_date =
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|area_urban_sq_mi =
|area_urban_sq_mi =
|area_urban_km2 =
|area_urban_km2 =
|area_metro_sq_mi = 5,376 sq mi
|area_metro_sq_mi =
|area_metro_km2 = 13,923 km²
|area_metro_km2 =
|population_footnotes = <ref name="2020 Census (City)"/>
|population_footnotes = <ref name="2020 Census (City)"/>
|population_as_of = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_as_of = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
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}}
}}


'''Casper''' is a city in, and the [[county seat]] of, [[Natrona County, Wyoming]], United States.<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |access-date=June 7, 2011 |title=Find a County |publisher=National Association of Counties |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531210815/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |archive-date=May 31, 2011 }}</ref> Casper is the second-most populous city in the state, with the population at 59,038 as of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]].<ref name="2020 Census (City)">{{cite web|title=2020 Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US5613150 |work=American FactFinder |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=May 9, 2022}}</ref> Casper is nicknamed "The Oil City" and has a long history of oil boomtown and cowboy culture, dating back to the development of the nearby [[Salt Creek Oil Field]].
'''Casper''' is a city in and the [[county seat]] of [[Natrona County, Wyoming]], United States.<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |access-date=June 7, 2011 |title=Find a County |publisher=National Association of Counties |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531210815/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |archive-date=May 31, 2011 }}</ref> Casper is the [[List of municipalities in Wyoming|second-most populous city in the state]] after [[Cheyenne, Wyoming|Cheyenne]], with the population at 59,038 as of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]].<ref name="2020 Census (City)">{{cite web|title=2020 Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US5613150 |work=American FactFinder |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=May 9, 2022}}</ref> Casper is nicknamed "The Oil City" and has a long history of oil boomtown and cowboy culture, dating back to the development of the nearby [[Salt Creek Oil Field]].


Casper is located in east central Wyoming on the [[North Platte River]].
Casper is located in east central Wyoming on the [[North Platte River]].


==History==
==History==
The city was established east of the former site of [[Fort Caspar]], built during the mid-19th century mass migration of land seekers along the [[Oregon Trail|Oregon]], [[California Trail|California]], and [[Mormon Trail|Mormon]] trails,<ref name="whf">{{Cite book|title=Wyoming's Historic Forts|last=Fifer|first=Barbera|publisher=Farcountry Press|pages=59–68}}</ref> where several nearby ferries offered passage across the North Platte River in the early 1840s. In 1859, Louis Guinard built a bridge and trading post near the original ferry locations, allowing overland travel to continue in the area.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://wyoshpo.state.wy.us/trailsdemo/platteriverfords.htm|title=Platte River Fords|publisher=Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office|access-date=March 4, 2008|archive-date=February 28, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080228134553/http://wyoshpo.state.wy.us/trailsdemo/platteriverfords.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The city was established east of the former site of [[Fort Caspar]], in an area that grew for European settlers during the mid-19th century mass migration of land seekers along the [[Oregon Trail|Oregon]], [[California Trail|California]], and [[Mormon Trail|Mormon]] trails,<ref name="whf">{{Cite book|title=Wyoming's Historic Forts|last=Fifer|first=Barbara|publisher=Farcountry Press|pages=59–68}}</ref> where several nearby ferries offered passage across the North Platte River in the early 1840s. In 1859, Louis Guinard built a bridge and trading post near the original ferry locations, allowing overland travel to continue through the area.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://wyoshpo.state.wy.us/trailsdemo/platteriverfords.htm|title=Platte River Fords|publisher=Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office|access-date=March 4, 2008|archive-date=February 28, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080228134553/http://wyoshpo.state.wy.us/trailsdemo/platteriverfords.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>


The government also posted the military garrison to protect [[telegraph]] and mail service. It was under the command of Lieutenant Colonel William O. Collins.<ref name="whf" /> [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] attacks increased after the [[Sand Creek Massacre]] in Colorado in 1864, bringing more troops to the post, which was by now called Platte Bridge Station. In July 1865, Lt. Colonel William Collins's beloved son Lieutenant Caspar Collins was killed near the post by a group of Indian warriors, and three months later the garrison was renamed Fort Caspar in his son's honor.<ref name="whf" />
The government also posted the military garrison to protect [[telegraph]] and mail service. It was under the command of Lieutenant Colonel [[William O. Collins]].<ref name="whf" /> [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] attacks increased after the [[Sand Creek Massacre]] in Colorado in 1864, bringing more troops to the post, which was by now called Platte Bridge Station. In July 1865, Lt. Colonel William Collins' beloved son Lieutenant Caspar Collins was killed near the post by a group of Indian warriors, and three months later the garrison was renamed Fort Caspar in his son's honor.<ref name="whf"/>


In 1867, the troops were ordered to abandon Fort Caspar in favor of [[Fort Fetterman]], downstream on the North Platte along the [[Bozeman Trail]]. However, the town itself was settled ten years later in 1887, and incorporated a year later by developers as an anticipated stopping point during the expansion of the [[Wyoming Central Railway]].
In 1867, the troops were ordered to abandon Fort Caspar in favor of [[Fort Fetterman]], downstream on the North Platte along the [[Bozeman Trail]]. However, the town itself was settled twenty years later in 1887, and incorporated a year later by developers as an anticipated stopping point during the expansion of the [[Wyoming Central Railway]].


A site a few miles east was planned as the original site,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/348549405/|title=Casper Star-Tribune 19 Feb 1950, page 202 }}</ref> where homesteader Joshua Stroud lived prior to the actual construction of the train station for the [[Chicago and North Western Railway]].<ref>{{cite book|title=A History of the Origin of the Place Names in Nine Northwestern States|year=1908|page=128}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|date=January 1943|title=Wyoming Place Names|journal=Annals of Wyoming|volume=15|issue=1|pages=85–90}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=A History of the Chicago & North Western Railway System|year=1910|page=160}}</ref> The site was laid out by the Pioneer Town Site Company in 1888 and was known as Strouds, but the name Casper soon prevailed. While the name is derived from Fort Caspar and Lt. Caspar Collins, it is officially named "Casper" due to a [[typographical error|typo]] occurring during the official registration.
A site a few miles east was planned as the original site,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/348549405/|title=Casper Star-Tribune 19 Feb 1950, page 202 }}</ref> where homesteader Joshua Stroud lived prior to the actual construction of the train station for the [[Chicago and North Western Railway]].<ref>{{cite book|title=A History of the Origin of the Place Names in Nine Northwestern States|year=1908|page=128}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|date=January 1943|title=Wyoming Place Names|journal=Annals of Wyoming|volume=15|issue=1|pages=85–90}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=A History of the Chicago & North Western Railway System|year=1910|page=160}}</ref> The site was laid out by the Pioneer Town Site Company in 1888 and was known as Strouds, but the name Casper soon prevailed. While the name is derived from Fort Caspar and Lt. Caspar Collins, it is officially named "Casper" due to a [[typographical error|typo]] occurring during the official registration.
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Casper was an early commercial rival to both Bessemer and [[Douglas, Wyoming]]. The absence of a railhead doomed Bessemer in favor of Casper, while Douglas, also a railhead, survives to the present day. This rail presence also made Casper the starting off point for the "invaders" in the [[Johnson County War]], since the chartered train carrying the men from Texas stopped at Casper.
Casper was an early commercial rival to both Bessemer and [[Douglas, Wyoming]]. The absence of a railhead doomed Bessemer in favor of Casper, while Douglas, also a railhead, survives to the present day. This rail presence also made Casper the starting off point for the "invaders" in the [[Johnson County War]], since the chartered train carrying the men from Texas stopped at Casper.


In more recent history, the city received a significant number of visitors during the [[solar eclipse of August 21, 2017]], due to its position along the path of totality.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/more-than-a-million-people-visited-wyoming-for-eclipse-early/article_93901bc1-4591-5350-95a9-571d97b23109.html|title=More than a million people may have visited Wyoming for eclipse; one person came by sea plane|author=Christine Peterson|website=Trib.com|access-date=January 9, 2018}}</ref>
In more recent history, the city received a significant influx of visitors during the [[solar eclipse of August 21, 2017]], due to its position along the path of totality.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/more-than-a-million-people-visited-wyoming-for-eclipse-early/article_93901bc1-4591-5350-95a9-571d97b23109.html|title=More than a million people may have visited Wyoming for eclipse; one person came by sea plane|author=Christine Peterson|website=Trib.com|access-date=January 9, 2018}}</ref>


==Geography==
==Geography==
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==Climate==
==Climate==


Casper, as with most of the rest of Wyoming, has a continental [[semi-arid climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''BSk''), with long, cold, but dry winters, hot but generally dry summers, mild springs, and short and crisp autumns. Normal daily maxima range from {{convert|35.2|F|1}} in January to {{convert|89.0|F|1}} in July. Snow can fall heavily during the winter and early to mid-spring months, and usually falls in May and October. Precipitation is greatest in spring and early summer, but even then it is not high. Highs reach {{convert|90|F|1}} on 37.8 days per year and fail to surpass freezing on 41.3. Lows drop to {{convert|0|F|1}} on an average of 14.6 nights annually. The highest temperature recorded in Casper was {{convert|104|°F|1}} on July 12, 1954, July 16, 2005, and July 29, 2006, while the lowest temperature recorded was {{convert|-42|°F|1}} on [[Late December 2022 North American winter storm#Cold wave|December 22, 2022]].<ref name=NOWData />
Casper, as with most of the rest of Wyoming, has a continental [[semi-arid climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]]: ''BSk''), with long, cold, but dry winters, hot but generally dry summers, mild springs, and short and crisp autumns. Normal daily maxima range from {{convert|35.2|F|1}} in January to {{convert|89.0|F|1}} in July. Snow can fall heavily during the winter and early to mid-spring months, and usually falls in May and October. Precipitation is greatest in spring and early summer, but even then it is not high. Highs reach {{convert|90|F|1}} on 37.8 days per year and fail to surpass freezing on 41.3. Lows drop to {{convert|0|F|1}} on an average of 14.6 nights annually. The highest temperature recorded in Casper was {{convert|104|°F|1}} on July 12, 1954, July 16, 2005, and July 29, 2006, while the lowest temperature recorded was {{convert|-42|°F|1}} on [[Late December 2022 North American winter storm#Cold wave|December 22, 2022]].<ref name=NOWData />


{{Weather box
{{Weather box
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|access-date = August 15, 2022
|access-date = August 15, 2022
}}
}}
</ref> Weather Atlas (sun data)<ref name="Weather Atlas">{{cite web |url=https://www.weather-us.com/en/wyoming-usa/casper-climate |title=Casper, Wyoming - Monthly weather forecast and Climate data |publisher=Weather Atlas |access-date=22 May 2023 }}</ref>
</ref> Weather Atlas (sun data)<ref name="Weather Atlas">{{cite web |url=https://www.weather-us.com/en/wyoming-usa/casper-climate |title=Casper, Wyoming - Monthly weather forecast and Climate data |publisher=Weather Atlas |access-date=May 22, 2023 }}</ref>
|source 2 = National Weather Service<ref name = NOWData>
|source 2 = National Weather Service<ref name = NOWData>
{{cite web
{{cite web
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Casper is home to [[Casper College]], a [[community college]] that offers bachelor's degrees in sixteen areas of study from the [[University of Wyoming]] through their UW/CC Center.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.uwyo.edu/uwcc/info.asp?p=1234 |title=UW: Bachelors Degree and Certificate Programs |publisher=University of Wyoming |access-date=July 15, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090504075634/http://www.uwyo.edu/uwcc/info.asp?p=1234 |archive-date=May 4, 2009 }}</ref>
Casper is home to [[Casper College]], a [[community college]] that offers bachelor's degrees in sixteen areas of study from the [[University of Wyoming]] through their UW/CC Center.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.uwyo.edu/uwcc/info.asp?p=1234 |title=UW: Bachelors Degree and Certificate Programs |publisher=University of Wyoming |access-date=July 15, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090504075634/http://www.uwyo.edu/uwcc/info.asp?p=1234 |archive-date=May 4, 2009 }}</ref>


Public education in the city of Casper is provided by [[Natrona County School District Number 1|Natrona County School District #1]]. The district operates sixteen elementary schools, five middle schools, and three high schools in Casper. The high schools are [[Kelly Walsh High School|Kelly Walsh]], [[Natrona County High School|Natrona County]], and [[Roosevelt High School (Casper, Wyoming)|Roosevelt]] High Schools. A program called CAPS is being added to Natrona County School District, which will provide more space and classrooms for juniors and seniors at the three high schools.
Public education in the city of Casper is provided by [[Natrona County School District Number 1|Natrona County School District #1]], the sole school district for the county.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st56_wy/schooldistrict_maps/c56025_natrona/DC20SD_C56025.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Natrona County, WY|publisher=[[U.S. Census Bureau]]|access-date=March 13, 2024}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st56_wy/schooldistrict_maps/c56025_natrona/DC20SD_C56025_SD2MS.txt Text list]</ref> The district operates sixteen elementary schools, five middle schools, and three high schools in Casper. The high schools are [[Kelly Walsh High School|Kelly Walsh]], [[Natrona County High School|Natrona County]], and [[Roosevelt High School (Casper, Wyoming)|Roosevelt]] High Schools. A program called CAPS is being added to Natrona County School District, which will provide more space and classrooms for juniors and seniors at the three high schools.


Casper has a [[public library]], a branch of the Natrona County Public Library System.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://publiclibraries.com/state/wyoming/ | title=Wyoming Public Libraries | publisher=PublicLibraries.com | access-date=June 13, 2019}}</ref>
Casper has a [[public library]], a branch of the Natrona County Public Library System.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://publiclibraries.com/state/wyoming/ | title=Wyoming Public Libraries | publisher=PublicLibraries.com | access-date=June 13, 2019}}</ref>


==Media==
==Media==
Casper is served by one print newspaper, the ''[[Casper Star-Tribune]]'', a daily, and until recently the ''Casper Journal'', published weekly. Casper is also home to WyoFile, an online publication focusing on state issues<ref>{{Cite web |title=About |url=http://wyofile.com/about/ |url-status=live |access-date=2022-09-30 |website=WyoFile |language=en-US}}</ref> and ''Oil City News,'' an online news and media site.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Scoop On Oil City News |url=https://oilcity.news/about/ |url-status=live |access-date=2022-09-30 |website=Oil City News |language=en-US}}</ref>
Casper is served by one print newspaper, the ''[[Casper Star-Tribune]]'', a daily, and until recently the ''Casper Journal'', published weekly. Casper is also home to WyoFile, an online publication focusing on state issues<ref>{{Cite web |title=About |url=http://wyofile.com/about/ |access-date=September 30, 2022 |website=WyoFile |language=en-US}}</ref> and ''Oil City News,'' an online news and media site.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Scoop On Oil City News |url=https://oilcity.news/about/ |access-date=September 30, 2022 |website=Oil City News |language=en-US}}</ref>
Casper is served by 30 radio stations on [[FM broadcasting|FM]] and [[AM broadcasting|AM]]. [[KTWO (AM)|KTWO]] 1030 AM is the state's oldest radio station.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://radio-locator.com/cgi-bin/locate?select=city&city=Casper&state=wy|website=Radio-Locator.com|title=Radio stations in Casper, Wyoming|access-date=May 10, 2024}}</ref> For television, Casper is served by the following stations: [[KTWO-TV]] (channel 2) is affiliated with [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]], [[KCWY]] (channel 13) is affiliated with [[NBC]] (with [[The CW]] on DT2), [[KGWC-TV]] (channel 14) is affiliated with [[CBS]], and [[KFNB]] (channel 20) is affiliated with [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]]. Casper also has a member station of [[Wyoming PBS|PBS]], KPTW, on channel 8. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=station_search&callsign=KTWO#station|website=Rabbitears.info|title=Market 226|access-date=May 10, 2024}}</ref> Almost all of the city's FM stations and all of its TV stations broadcast from [[Casper Mountain]] south of the city.


[[File:Casper from Casper Mountain.jpg|thumb|Casper, as seen from Casper Mountain (from which the majority of the city's FM and TV stations broadcast).]]


==Sports==
==Sports==
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Sports teams based in Casper include:
Sports teams based in Casper include:
* Casper Cannibal RFC, an amateur rugby football team in the Eastern Rockies Rugby Football Union
* Casper Cannibal RFC, an amateur rugby football team in the Eastern Rockies Rugby Football Union
* Casper Coyotes were a Junior A hockey team in the [[Western States Hockey League]] (WSHL) that played out of the Casper Ice Arena. They renamed to Casper Bobcats for the 2018–2019 season and folded before the 2019–2020 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.caspercoyotes.com/|title=Casper Coyotes – Casper Coyotes Junior Hockey|website=Caspercoyotes.com|access-date=January 9, 2018|archive-date=January 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108174449/http://www.caspercoyotes.com/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|first=Jack|last=Nowlin |title=Casper will get another Western States Hockey League team|url=https://trib.com/sports/casper-will-get-another-western-states-hockey-league-team/article_b7bb055e-8b32-5a86-9d94-1e8ac1da135a.html|access-date=2021-06-01|website=Casper Star-Tribune Online|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|first=Brendan|last=LaChance|date=2019-10-02|title=Casper Bobcats won't play hockey this winter|url=https://oilcity.news/general/2019/10/01/casper-bobcats-wont-play-hockey-this-winter/|access-date=2021-06-01|website=Oil City News|language=en-US}}</ref>
* Casper Coyotes were a Junior A hockey team in the [[Western States Hockey League]] (WSHL) that played out of the Casper Ice Arena. They renamed to Casper Bobcats for the 2018–2019 season and folded before the 2019–2020 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.caspercoyotes.com/|title=Casper Coyotes – Casper Coyotes Junior Hockey|website=Caspercoyotes.com|access-date=January 9, 2018|archive-date=January 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108174449/http://www.caspercoyotes.com/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|first=Jack|last=Nowlin |title=Casper will get another Western States Hockey League team|url=https://trib.com/sports/casper-will-get-another-western-states-hockey-league-team/article_b7bb055e-8b32-5a86-9d94-1e8ac1da135a.html|access-date=June 1, 2021|website=Casper Star-Tribune Online|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|first=Brendan|last=LaChance|date=October 2, 2019|title=Casper Bobcats won't play hockey this winter|url=https://oilcity.news/general/2019/10/01/casper-bobcats-wont-play-hockey-this-winter/|access-date=June 1, 2021|website=Oil City News|language=en-US}}</ref>
* Casper Ghosts (formerly). From 2001 to 2011, [[Mike Lansing Field]] hosted the Ghosts of the [[Pioneer League (baseball)|Pioneer League]], Rookie-level affiliate of the [[Colorado Rockies]]. In 2011, the team relocated to [[Grand Junction, Colorado]] to become the [[Grand Junction Rockies|Rockies]].
* Casper Ghosts (formerly). From 2001 to 2011, [[Mike Lansing Field]] hosted the Ghosts of the [[Pioneer League (baseball)|Pioneer League]], Rookie-level affiliate of the [[Colorado Rockies]]. In 2011, the team relocated to [[Grand Junction, Colorado]] to become the [[Grand Junction Rockies|Rockies]].
* Casper Horseheads (formerly). From 2018 to 2022 the Horseheads, a [[collegiate summer baseball]] team of [[Independence League Baseball]], played their home games at [[Mike Lansing Field]] before closing operations.
* Casper Horseheads (formerly). From 2018 to 2022 the Horseheads, a [[collegiate summer baseball]] team of [[Independence League Baseball]], played their home games at [[Mike Lansing Field]] before closing operations.
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* Werner Wildlife Museum<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.10best.com/Casper,WY/Attractions_&_Activities/Best_Attractions_&_Activities/71003/Werner_Wildlife_Museum_Casper_WY/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130116032127/http://www.10best.com/Casper,WY/Attractions_&_Activities/Best_Attractions_&_Activities/71003/Werner_Wildlife_Museum_Casper_WY/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 16, 2013 |title=Werner Wildlife Museum Review: Casper Best Attractions and Activities Reviews by 10Best |publisher=10Best Inc. |access-date=July 15, 2009 }}</ref>
* Werner Wildlife Museum<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.10best.com/Casper,WY/Attractions_&_Activities/Best_Attractions_&_Activities/71003/Werner_Wildlife_Museum_Casper_WY/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130116032127/http://www.10best.com/Casper,WY/Attractions_&_Activities/Best_Attractions_&_Activities/71003/Werner_Wildlife_Museum_Casper_WY/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 16, 2013 |title=Werner Wildlife Museum Review: Casper Best Attractions and Activities Reviews by 10Best |publisher=10Best Inc. |access-date=July 15, 2009 }}</ref>
* Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wyomilitary.wyo.gov/veterans/museums/vets-museum/|title=Wyoming Veterans Museum|access-date=June 14, 2019|archive-date=March 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324190718/https://www.wyomilitary.wyo.gov/veterans/museums/vets-museum/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wyomilitary.wyo.gov/veterans/museums/vets-museum/|title=Wyoming Veterans Museum|access-date=June 14, 2019|archive-date=March 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324190718/https://www.wyomilitary.wyo.gov/veterans/museums/vets-museum/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* The Science Zone<ref>{{Cite web |title=Casper Science Museum {{!}} The Science Zone |url=https://thesciencezone.org/ |access-date=2022-09-08 |website=thesciencezone.org}}</ref>
* The Science Zone<ref>{{Cite web |title=Casper Science Museum {{!}} The Science Zone |url=https://thesciencezone.org/ |access-date=September 8, 2022 |website=thesciencezone.org}}</ref>
* Historic Bishop Home<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cadomafoundation.org/|title=The Cadoma Foundation - Casper, WY - Historic Homes, Museum, Tours}}</ref>
* Historic Bishop Home<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cadomafoundation.org/|title=The Cadoma Foundation - Casper, WY - Historic Homes, Museum, Tours}}</ref>


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===Architecture===
===Architecture===
Wyoming National Bank, a [[mid-century modern]] tower, was designed by [[Charles Deaton]] and is featured in Casper's logo.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.historicwyoming.org/profiles/wells-fargo-building-and-tower-casper|title=WELLS FARGO BUILDING AND TOWER, CASPER|website=The Alliance for Historyc Wyoming}}</ref>
[[Wyoming National Bank of Casper|Wyoming National Bank]], a mid-century modern tower, was designed by [[Charles Deaton]] and is featured in Casper's logo.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.historicwyoming.org/profiles/wells-fargo-building-and-tower-casper|title=WELLS FARGO BUILDING AND TOWER, CASPER|website=The Alliance for Historyc Wyoming}}</ref>


==Transportation==
==Transportation==
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===Highways===
===Highways===
'''[[Interstate Highways]]:'''
'''[[Interstate Highways]]:'''
* {{jct|state=WY|I|25}} – North-South Interstate running from [[Las Cruces, New Mexico]] to [[Buffalo, Wyoming]].
* {{jct|state=WY|I|25}} – North-South Interstate running from [[Las Cruces, New Mexico]] to its terminus at [[Interstate 90 in Wyoming|I-90]] in [[Buffalo, Wyoming]].


'''[[US Routes]]:'''
'''[[US Routes]]:'''
* {{jct|state=WY|US|20}} – East–west route through Casper that runs concurrent with I-25 through Casper. At exit 189 the highway continues west out of Casper, and no longer runs concurrent with the interstate. The [[business route]] of US 20 follows N. Beverly St. and Yellowstone Hwy. going east–west from I-25/US 87 (Exit 186) to U.S. 20–26 west of Casper in [[Mills, Wyoming|Mills]].
* {{jct|state=WY|US|20}} – East–west route through Casper that runs concurrent with I-25 through Casper. At exit 189 the highway continues west out of Casper, and no longer runs concurrent with the interstate. The [[business route]] of US 20 follows North Beverly Street and Yellowstone Highway going east–west from I-25/US 87 (Exit 186) to U.S. 20–26 west of Casper in [[Mills, Wyoming|Mills]].
* {{jct|state=WY|US|26}} – East–west route through Casper that runs concurrent with I-25 through Casper. At exit 189 the highway continues west out of Casper, and no longer runs concurrent with the interstate. The [[business route]] of US 26 follows N. McKinley St. and Yellowstone Hwy. going east–west from I-25/US 87 (Exit 187) to U.S. 20–26 west of Casper in [[Mills, Wyoming|Mills]].
* {{jct|state=WY|US|26}} – East–west route through Casper that runs concurrent with I-25 through Casper. At exit 189 the highway continues west out of Casper, and no longer runs concurrent with the interstate. The [[business route]] of US 26 follows North McKinley Street and Yellowstone Highway going east–west from I-25/US 87 (Exit 187) to U.S. 20–26 west of Casper in [[Mills, Wyoming|Mills]].
* {{jct|state=WY|US|87}} – North-South through Casper that runs concurrent with I-25 through Casper.
* {{jct|state=WY|US|87}} – North-South through Casper that runs concurrent with I-25 through Casper.


'''[[State highways in Wyoming|Wyoming State Highways]]:'''
'''[[State highways in Wyoming|Wyoming State Highways]]:'''
*{{jct|state=WY|WY|220}} (N. Poplar St., CY Avenue) – East–west route from I-25/US 87 (Exit 188B) west out of Casper towards [[Alcova, WY|Alcova]].
*{{jct|state=WY|WY|220}} (North Poplar Street, CY Avenue) – East–west route from I-25/US 87 (Exit 188B) west out of Casper towards [[Alcova, WY|Alcova]].
*{{jct|state=WY|WY|251}} (Wolcott St., Casper Mountain Rd.) – North–south route that continues south out of Casper and up Casper Mountain, eventually ending at [[Wyoming Highway 487|WYO 487]].
*{{jct|state=WY|WY|251}} (Wolcott Street, Casper Mountain Road) – North–south route that continues south out of Casper and up Casper Mountain, eventually ending at [[Wyoming Highway 487|WYO 487]].
*{{jct|state=WY|WY|252}} (S. Poplar St.) – North–south route from the intersection of Poplar Street and CY avenue to Casper Mountain Road.
*{{jct|state=WY|WY|252}} (South Poplar Street) – North–south route from the intersection of Poplar Street and CY avenue to Casper Mountain Road.
*{{jct|state=WY|WY|254}} (Salt Creek Hwy.) – North–south route from I-25/US 87 south to US 20-26 (Yellowstone Hwy.) in Mills.
*{{jct|state=WY|WY|254}} (Salt Creek Hwy.) – North–south route from I-25/US 87 south to US 20-26 (Yellowstone Highway) in Mills.
*{{jct|state=WY|WY|255}} (Center St., 9th St., CY Avenue) – North–south route from I-25 exit 188A to the intersection of S. Poplar and CY Avenue, where CY Avenue continues as WY 220.
*{{jct|state=WY|WY|255}} (Center Street, 9th Strert, CY Avenue) – North–south route from I-25 exit 188A to the intersection of South Poplar Street and CY Avenue, where CY Avenue continues as WY 220.
*{{jct|state=WY|WY|258}} (Wyoming Blvd.) – East-West loop route from I-25/US 87 to US 20-26 west of Casper in Mills; the majority of the highway runs along the southern borders of Casper.
*{{jct|state=WY|WY|258}} (Wyoming Blvd.) – East-West loop route from I-25/US 87 to US 20-26 west of Casper in Mills; the majority of the highway runs along the southern borders of Casper.


===Airports===
===Airports===
The city has scheduled air service at [[Casper–Natrona County International Airport]], a former army air base built during World War II. The runways are large, having been built for bombers. It replaced a regional airport north of Casper which later became the town of [[Bar Nunn, Wyoming]]. The airport is located west of the city just off of US Highway 20/26. In July 2004, the airport facilities were renovated.<ref>{{Cite news| title = Airport renovations to start in July | work = Casper Star-Tribune | url = http://www.trib.com/articles/2004/06/25/news/casper/df2cf5905afb1d8b87256ebd00816ba0.txt | date = June 24, 2004 | access-date = February 24, 2008}}</ref> Passenger service at the airport is offered by [[United Express]] ([[SkyWest Airlines]] and [[GoJet Airlines]]), and [[Delta Connection]] (SkyWest Airlines). [[FedEx Express]] and [[FedEx Feeder]] provide cargo airline service to the airport.
The city has scheduled air service at [[Casper–Natrona County International Airport]], a former army air base built during World War II. The runways are large, having been built for bombers. It replaced [[Wardwell Field]] north of Casper which later became the town of [[Bar Nunn, Wyoming]]. The airport is located west of the city just off of US Highway 20/26. In July 2004, the airport facilities were renovated.<ref>{{Cite news| title = Airport renovations to start in July | work = Casper Star-Tribune | url = http://www.trib.com/articles/2004/06/25/news/casper/df2cf5905afb1d8b87256ebd00816ba0.txt | date = June 24, 2004 | access-date = February 24, 2008}}</ref> Passenger service at the airport is offered by [[United Express]] ([[SkyWest Airlines]] and [[GoJet Airlines]]), and [[Delta Connection]] (SkyWest Airlines). [[FedEx Express]] and [[FedEx Feeder]] provide cargo airline service to the airport.


===Public transit===
===Public transit===
Public transit in the Casper area had been provided by the Casper Area Transportation Coalition but is now offered by the city of Casper.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.casperwy.gov/residents/roads_and_parking/metropolitan_planning_organization/casper_area_transit_ | title=Casper Area Transit }}</ref> They offer fixed route service called Casper Area LINK and an on-request service called ASSIST from Monday to Saturday.
Public transit in the Casper area had been provided by the Casper Area Transportation Coalition but is now offered by the city of Casper as [[Casper Area Transit]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.casperwy.gov/residents/roads_and_parking/metropolitan_planning_organization/casper_area_transit_ | title=Casper Area Transit }}</ref> They offer fixed route service called Casper Area LINK and an on-request service called ASSIST from Monday to Saturday.


===Scheduled bus service===
===Scheduled bus service===
Line 468: Line 472:
*[[C. J. Box]] (born 1958), author
*[[C. J. Box]] (born 1958), author
*[[Tom Brewer (Nebraska Politician)|Tom Brewer]] (born 1958), member of the [[Nebraska Legislature]]
*[[Tom Brewer (Nebraska Politician)|Tom Brewer]] (born 1958), member of the [[Nebraska Legislature]]
* [[Tom Browning]] (born 1960), former major league pitcher; threw perfect game; while with the [[Cincinnati Reds]], won a [[World Series]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=brownto05|title=Tom Browning Stats
* [[Tom Browning]] (1960-2022), former major league pitcher; threw perfect game; while with the [[Cincinnati Reds]], won a [[World Series]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=brownto05|title=Tom Browning Stats
|publisher=Baseball Almanac |access-date=November 18, 2012}}</ref>
|publisher=Baseball Almanac |access-date=November 18, 2012}}</ref>
*[[Taven Bryan]] (born 1996), professional football player
*[[Taven Bryan]] (born 1996), professional football player
Line 486: Line 490:
* [[Floyd Volker]] (1921–1995), professional basketball player
* [[Floyd Volker]] (1921–1995), professional basketball player
* [[Pete Williams (journalist)|Pete Williams]] (born 1952), [[NBC News]] journalist covering the U.S. Justice Department.
* [[Pete Williams (journalist)|Pete Williams]] (born 1952), [[NBC News]] journalist covering the U.S. Justice Department.

==In popular culture==
* The protagonist Dr Shaun Murphy from the ABC show [[The Good Doctor (American TV series)|The Good Doctor]] is from Casper.


==See also==
==See also==

Latest revision as of 21:21, 8 November 2024

Casper, Wyoming
City
Overview of downtown, looking south toward Casper Mountain, with North Platte River
Overview of downtown, looking south toward Casper Mountain, with North Platte River
Flag of Casper, Wyoming
Flag
Official seal of Casper, Wyoming
Seal
Official logo of Casper, Wyoming
Logo
Nickname: 
"The Oil City"
Casper is located in Wyoming
Casper
Casper
Location within Wyoming
Casper is located in the United States
Casper
Casper
Location within the United States
Coordinates: 42°51′0″N 106°19′30″W / 42.85000°N 106.32500°W / 42.85000; -106.32500
CountryUnited States
State Wyoming
CountyNatrona
Government
 • TypeCouncil–manager[1]
 • City ManagerCarter Napier[2]
Area
[3]
 • City26.88 sq mi (69.62 km2)
 • Land26.55 sq mi (68.76 km2)
 • Water0.33 sq mi (0.86 km2)
Elevation
5,150 ft (1,560 m)
Population
 (2020)[4]
 • City59,038
 • RankUS: 662nd
WY: 2nd
 • Density2,182.21/sq mi (842.55/km2)
 • Urban
64,548 (US: 424th)
 • Metro
79,955 (US: 378th)
Time zoneUTC−7 (MST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−6 (MDT)
ZIP Codes
82601–82602, 82604–82605, 82609, 82615, 82630, 82638, 82646
Area code307
FIPS code56-13150[5]
GNIS feature ID1586424[6]
Websitecasperwy.gov

Casper is a city in and the county seat of Natrona County, Wyoming, United States.[7] Casper is the second-most populous city in the state after Cheyenne, with the population at 59,038 as of the 2020 census.[4] Casper is nicknamed "The Oil City" and has a long history of oil boomtown and cowboy culture, dating back to the development of the nearby Salt Creek Oil Field.

Casper is located in east central Wyoming on the North Platte River.

History

[edit]

The city was established east of the former site of Fort Caspar, in an area that grew for European settlers during the mid-19th century mass migration of land seekers along the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails,[8] where several nearby ferries offered passage across the North Platte River in the early 1840s. In 1859, Louis Guinard built a bridge and trading post near the original ferry locations, allowing overland travel to continue through the area.[9]

The government also posted the military garrison to protect telegraph and mail service. It was under the command of Lieutenant Colonel William O. Collins.[8] Native American attacks increased after the Sand Creek Massacre in Colorado in 1864, bringing more troops to the post, which was by now called Platte Bridge Station. In July 1865, Lt. Colonel William Collins' beloved son Lieutenant Caspar Collins was killed near the post by a group of Indian warriors, and three months later the garrison was renamed Fort Caspar in his son's honor.[8]

In 1867, the troops were ordered to abandon Fort Caspar in favor of Fort Fetterman, downstream on the North Platte along the Bozeman Trail. However, the town itself was settled twenty years later in 1887, and incorporated a year later by developers as an anticipated stopping point during the expansion of the Wyoming Central Railway.

A site a few miles east was planned as the original site,[10] where homesteader Joshua Stroud lived prior to the actual construction of the train station for the Chicago and North Western Railway.[11][12][13] The site was laid out by the Pioneer Town Site Company in 1888 and was known as Strouds, but the name Casper soon prevailed. While the name is derived from Fort Caspar and Lt. Caspar Collins, it is officially named "Casper" due to a typo occurring during the official registration.

Casper was an early commercial rival to both Bessemer and Douglas, Wyoming. The absence of a railhead doomed Bessemer in favor of Casper, while Douglas, also a railhead, survives to the present day. This rail presence also made Casper the starting off point for the "invaders" in the Johnson County War, since the chartered train carrying the men from Texas stopped at Casper.

In more recent history, the city received a significant influx of visitors during the solar eclipse of August 21, 2017, due to its position along the path of totality.[14]

Geography

[edit]
The waterfall at Casper's Rotary Park, at the base of Casper Mountain

Interstate 25, which approaches Casper from the north and east, is the main avenue of transportation to and from the city. The towns immediately adjacent to Casper are Mills, Evansville, and Bar Nunn. Unincorporated areas include Allendale, Dempsey Acres, Red Buttes, Indian Springs, and several others.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 27.24 square miles (70.55 km2), of which 26.90 square miles (69.67 km2) is land and 0.34 square miles (0.88 km2) is water.[15]

Climate

[edit]

Casper, as with most of the rest of Wyoming, has a continental semi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification: BSk), with long, cold, but dry winters, hot but generally dry summers, mild springs, and short and crisp autumns. Normal daily maxima range from 35.2 °F (1.8 °C) in January to 89.0 °F (31.7 °C) in July. Snow can fall heavily during the winter and early to mid-spring months, and usually falls in May and October. Precipitation is greatest in spring and early summer, but even then it is not high. Highs reach 90 °F (32.2 °C) on 37.8 days per year and fail to surpass freezing on 41.3. Lows drop to 0 °F (−17.8 °C) on an average of 14.6 nights annually. The highest temperature recorded in Casper was 104 °F (40.0 °C) on July 12, 1954, July 16, 2005, and July 29, 2006, while the lowest temperature recorded was −42 °F (−41.1 °C) on December 22, 2022.[16]

Climate data for Casper, Wyoming (Casper-Natrona County International Airport), 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1948–present
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 60
(16) 		68
(20) 		77
(25) 		84
(29) 		95
(35) 		102
(39) 		104
(40) 		102
(39) 		100
(38) 		87
(31) 		73
(23) 		66
(19) 		104
(40)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 50.8
(10.4) 		55.1
(12.8) 		68.1
(20.1) 		76.9
(24.9) 		85.4
(29.7) 		94.3
(34.6) 		99.1
(37.3) 		96.9
(36.1) 		91.9
(33.3) 		80.1
(26.7) 		65.7
(18.7) 		52.8
(11.6) 		99.5
(37.5)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 35.2
(1.8) 		37.8
(3.2) 		48.8
(9.3) 		56.3
(13.5) 		66.8
(19.3) 		79.6
(26.4) 		89.0
(31.7) 		86.7
(30.4) 		75.6
(24.2) 		59.7
(15.4) 		45.9
(7.7) 		34.7
(1.5) 		59.7
(15.4)
Daily mean °F (°C) 25.1
(−3.8) 		26.6
(−3.0) 		35.8
(2.1) 		42.3
(5.7) 		52.0
(11.1) 		62.5
(16.9) 		71.0
(21.7) 		69.0
(20.6) 		58.9
(14.9) 		45.3
(7.4) 		34.0
(1.1) 		24.8
(−4.0) 		45.6
(7.6)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 15.0
(−9.4) 		15.4
(−9.2) 		22.7
(−5.2) 		28.2
(−2.1) 		37.1
(2.8) 		45.4
(7.4) 		53.0
(11.7) 		51.4
(10.8) 		42.2
(5.7) 		30.9
(−0.6) 		22.0
(−5.6) 		14.8
(−9.6) 		31.5
(−0.3)
Mean minimum °F (°C) −12.2
(−24.6) 		−10.0
(−23.3) 		3.3
(−15.9) 		13.8
(−10.1) 		24.5
(−4.2) 		37.4
(3.0) 		42.9
(6.1) 		40.0
(4.4) 		29.1
(−1.6) 		13.9
(−10.1) 		−2.6
(−19.2) 		−11.5
(−24.2) 		−20.8
(−29.3)
Record low °F (°C) −40
(−40) 		−32
(−36) 		−25
(−32) 		−6
(−21) 		16
(−9) 		25
(−4) 		30
(−1) 		29
(−2) 		16
(−9) 		−9
(−23) 		−27
(−33) 		−42
(−41) 		−42
(−41)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 0.49
(12) 		0.56
(14) 		0.84
(21) 		1.41
(36) 		2.21
(56) 		1.34
(34) 		1.19
(30) 		0.79
(20) 		0.95
(24) 		1.19
(30) 		0.64
(16) 		0.61
(15) 		12.22
(308)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 9.0
(23) 		10.9
(28) 		10.3
(26) 		10.5
(27) 		2.6
(6.6) 		0.1
(0.25) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		1.5
(3.8) 		7.0
(18) 		8.9
(23) 		11.0
(28) 		71.8
(183.65)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 6.0 6.9 8.0 10.3 11.0 8.5 6.8 5.8 6.8 7.6 6.2 7.0 90.9
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 6.1 7.5 6.8 6.0 1.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 3.8 5.6 7.6 45.5
Mean monthly sunshine hours 204.6 172.3 269.7 300.0 334.8 354.0 368.9 368.9 333.0 217.0 204.0 198.4 3,325.6
Mean daily sunshine hours 6.6 6.1 8.7 10 10.8 11.8 11.9 11.9 11.1 7 6.8 6.4 9.1
Mean daily daylight hours 9.5 10.6 12.0 13.4 14.7 15.3 15.0 13.9 12.5 11.0 9.7 9.1 12.2
Percent possible sunshine 69 58 73 75 73 77 79 86 89 64 70 70 74
Average ultraviolet index 2 2 2 2 5 6 6 6 4 2 2 2 3
Source 1: NOAA,[17] Weather Atlas (sun data)[18]
Source 2: National Weather Service[16]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
188040—
18905441,260.0%
190088362.3%
19102,639198.9%
192011,447333.8%
193016,61945.2%
194017,9648.1%
195023,67331.8%
196038,93064.4%
197039,3611.1%
198051,01629.6%
199046,742−8.4%
200049,6446.2%
201055,31611.4%
202059,0386.7%
Source:[19][20]

2010 census

[edit]

As of the census[21] of 2010, there were 55,316 people, 22,794 households, and 14,237 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,056.4 inhabitants per square mile (794.0/km2). There were 24,536 housing units at an average density of 912.1 per square mile (352.2/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 92.3% White, 1.0% African American, 0.9% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 2.3% from other races, and 2.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 7.4% of the population.

There were 22,794 households, of which 31.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.1% were married couples living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.5% were non-families. Of all households 30.3% were made up of individuals, and 10.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.95.

The median age in the city was 36 years. 23.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.7% were from 25 to 44; 26.4% were from 45 to 64; and 12.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.7% male and 50.3% female.

2000 census

[edit]

As of the census[5] of 2000, there were 49,644 people, 20,343 households, and 13,141 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,073.2 people per square mile (800.5 people/km2). There were 21,872 housing units at an average density of 913.4 per square mile (352.7/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 94.03% White, 0.86% Black, 1.00% Native American, 0.49% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 2.04% from other races, and 1.56% from two or more races. 5.35% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 20,343 households, out of which 31.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.6% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.4% were non-families. Of all households 29.1% were made up of individuals, and 10.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.9% under the age of 18, 10.5% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 22.3% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $36,567, and the median income for a family was $46,267. Males had a median income of $34,905 versus $21,810 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,409. About 8.5% of families and 11.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.4% of those under age 18 and 7.3% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

[edit]

Casper is a regional center of banking and commerce.

Sinclair's Casper refinery in nearby Evansville

After the discovery of crude oil in the region during the 1890s, Casper became the regional petroleum industry center. Oil has figured prominently in its history from nearly the outset. Oil was first discovered in the famous Salt Creek Oil Field in 1889, approximately 40 miles (64 km) north of Casper; the first refinery in Casper was built in 1895. The city has featured a refinery ever since, although various refineries have been built and closed over the years. As recently as the early 1980s, the city was near or home to three refineries. The surviving one, operated by Sinclair Oil Corporation, is located nearby in Evansville. Development of Wyoming coal and uranium fields in recent decades has helped Casper continue its role as a center in the energy industry.

Casper Wind Farm began operations near Casper in Natrona County and has 11 turbines with a generating capacity of 16.5 MW.[22] Energy Transportation Inc. is headquartered in Casper. This logistics firm transports overweight and outsized components used in the wind power industry.[23] The Casper landfill is also a disposal site for windmill blades.[24]

Education

[edit]

Casper is home to Casper College, a community college that offers bachelor's degrees in sixteen areas of study from the University of Wyoming through their UW/CC Center.[25]

Public education in the city of Casper is provided by Natrona County School District #1, the sole school district for the county.[26] The district operates sixteen elementary schools, five middle schools, and three high schools in Casper. The high schools are Kelly Walsh, Natrona County, and Roosevelt High Schools. A program called CAPS is being added to Natrona County School District, which will provide more space and classrooms for juniors and seniors at the three high schools.

Casper has a public library, a branch of the Natrona County Public Library System.[27]

Media

[edit]

Casper is served by one print newspaper, the Casper Star-Tribune, a daily, and until recently the Casper Journal, published weekly. Casper is also home to WyoFile, an online publication focusing on state issues[28] and Oil City News, an online news and media site.[29] Casper is served by 30 radio stations on FM and AM. KTWO 1030 AM is the state's oldest radio station.[30] For television, Casper is served by the following stations: KTWO-TV (channel 2) is affiliated with ABC, KCWY (channel 13) is affiliated with NBC (with The CW on DT2), KGWC-TV (channel 14) is affiliated with CBS, and KFNB (channel 20) is affiliated with Fox. Casper also has a member station of PBS, KPTW, on channel 8. [31] Almost all of the city's FM stations and all of its TV stations broadcast from Casper Mountain south of the city.


Casper, as seen from Casper Mountain (from which the majority of the city's FM and TV stations broadcast).

Sports

[edit]

Sports teams based in Casper include:

Culture

[edit]

Museums and historical sites

[edit]
Buildings at Fort Caspar

Casper is home to a number of museums and historical sites:

Performing arts and music

[edit]
The Casper Troopers, part of Drum Corps International

Casper has three locations offering theater: the Gertrude Krampert Theatre at Casper College, Stage III Community Theatre, and the Casper Events Center[48] where an annual series of touring Broadway shows, Broadway in Casper, can be seen.

Casper is home to the Troopers,[49] a drum and bugle corps in Drum Corps International, and the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra.[50] During the summer months, Casper's City Band performs free concerts Thursday evenings at Washington Park, weather permitting.[48]

Architecture

[edit]

Wyoming National Bank, a mid-century modern tower, was designed by Charles Deaton and is featured in Casper's logo.[51]

Transportation

[edit]

Highways

[edit]

Interstate Highways:

US Routes:

  • US 20 – East–west route through Casper that runs concurrent with I-25 through Casper. At exit 189 the highway continues west out of Casper, and no longer runs concurrent with the interstate. The business route of US 20 follows North Beverly Street and Yellowstone Highway going east–west from I-25/US 87 (Exit 186) to U.S. 20–26 west of Casper in Mills.
  • US 26 – East–west route through Casper that runs concurrent with I-25 through Casper. At exit 189 the highway continues west out of Casper, and no longer runs concurrent with the interstate. The business route of US 26 follows North McKinley Street and Yellowstone Highway going east–west from I-25/US 87 (Exit 187) to U.S. 20–26 west of Casper in Mills.
  • US 87 – North-South through Casper that runs concurrent with I-25 through Casper.

Wyoming State Highways:

  • WYO 220 (North Poplar Street, CY Avenue) – East–west route from I-25/US 87 (Exit 188B) west out of Casper towards Alcova.
  • WYO 251 (Wolcott Street, Casper Mountain Road) – North–south route that continues south out of Casper and up Casper Mountain, eventually ending at WYO 487.
  • WYO 252 (South Poplar Street) – North–south route from the intersection of Poplar Street and CY avenue to Casper Mountain Road.
  • WYO 254 (Salt Creek Hwy.) – North–south route from I-25/US 87 south to US 20-26 (Yellowstone Highway) in Mills.
  • WYO 255 (Center Street, 9th Strert, CY Avenue) – North–south route from I-25 exit 188A to the intersection of South Poplar Street and CY Avenue, where CY Avenue continues as WY 220.
  • WYO 258 (Wyoming Blvd.) – East-West loop route from I-25/US 87 to US 20-26 west of Casper in Mills; the majority of the highway runs along the southern borders of Casper.

Airports

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The city has scheduled air service at Casper–Natrona County International Airport, a former army air base built during World War II. The runways are large, having been built for bombers. It replaced Wardwell Field north of Casper which later became the town of Bar Nunn, Wyoming. The airport is located west of the city just off of US Highway 20/26. In July 2004, the airport facilities were renovated.[52] Passenger service at the airport is offered by United Express (SkyWest Airlines and GoJet Airlines), and Delta Connection (SkyWest Airlines). FedEx Express and FedEx Feeder provide cargo airline service to the airport.

Public transit

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Public transit in the Casper area had been provided by the Casper Area Transportation Coalition but is now offered by the city of Casper as Casper Area Transit.[53] They offer fixed route service called Casper Area LINK and an on-request service called ASSIST from Monday to Saturday.

Scheduled bus service

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Scheduled bus service once offered by Power River Bus Lines is now offered by ExpressArrow (formerly Black Hills Stages).

Notable people

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[edit]
  • The protagonist Dr Shaun Murphy from the ABC show The Good Doctor is from Casper.

See also

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References

[edit]
  1. ^ "City Council and Manager - City of Casper". City of Casper. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
  2. ^ "City Manager - City of Casper". Casperwy.gov. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
  3. ^ "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
  4. ^ a b "2020 Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File". American FactFinder. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
  5. ^ a b "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  6. ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  7. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  8. ^ a b c Fifer, Barbara. Wyoming's Historic Forts. Farcountry Press. pp. 59–68.
  9. ^ "Platte River Fords". Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office. Archived from the original on February 28, 2008. Retrieved March 4, 2008.
  10. ^ "Casper Star-Tribune 19 Feb 1950, page 202".
  11. ^ A History of the Origin of the Place Names in Nine Northwestern States. 1908. p. 128.
  12. ^ "Wyoming Place Names". Annals of Wyoming. 15 (1): 85–90. January 1943.
  13. ^ A History of the Chicago & North Western Railway System. 1910. p. 160.
  14. ^ Christine Peterson. "More than a million people may have visited Wyoming for eclipse; one person came by sea plane". Trib.com. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
  15. ^ "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 2, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
  16. ^ a b "NOAA Online Weather Data". National Weather Service. Retrieved August 15, 2022.
  17. ^ "U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved August 15, 2022.
  18. ^ "Casper, Wyoming - Monthly weather forecast and Climate data". Weather Atlas. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  19. ^ "Historical Decennial Census Population for Wyoming Counties, Cities, and Towns". Wyoming Department of State / U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved June 30, 2008.
  20. ^ Moffatt, Riley. Population History of Western U.S. Cities & Towns, 1850-1990. Lanham: Scarecrow, 1996, 338.
  21. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
  22. ^ "Rocky Mountain Power's Wind Projects." Rocky Mountain Power. 2010. PDF Archived January 3, 2011, at the Wayback Machine.
  23. ^ Transporting wind turbine components[permanent dead link]
  24. ^ Martin, Chris (February 7, 2020). "Wind Turbine Blades Can't Be Recycled, So They're Piling Up in Landfills". Yahoo. Retrieved February 7, 2020.
  25. ^ "UW: Bachelors Degree and Certificate Programs". University of Wyoming. Archived from the original on May 4, 2009. Retrieved July 15, 2009.
  26. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Natrona County, WY" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved March 13, 2024. - Text list
  27. ^ "Wyoming Public Libraries". PublicLibraries.com. Retrieved June 13, 2019.
  28. ^ "About". WyoFile. Retrieved September 30, 2022.
  29. ^ "The Scoop On Oil City News". Oil City News. Retrieved September 30, 2022.
  30. ^ "Radio stations in Casper, Wyoming". Radio-Locator.com. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  31. ^ "Market 226". Rabbitears.info. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  32. ^ "Casper Events Center". City of Casper. Archived from the original on October 27, 2010. Retrieved July 16, 2009.
  33. ^ "Wyoming Cavalry News & Events". Wyoming Cavalry. Archived from the original on July 24, 2009. Retrieved July 16, 2009.
  34. ^ "Casper Recreation Center". visitcasper.com. Archived from the original on April 24, 2019. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
  35. ^ "Casper Soccer Complex". visitcasper.com. Archived from the original on April 24, 2019. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
  36. ^ "Casper Municipal Golf Course". visitcasper.com. Archived from the original on April 24, 2019. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
  37. ^ "Casper Coyotes – Casper Coyotes Junior Hockey". Caspercoyotes.com. Archived from the original on January 8, 2018. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
  38. ^ Nowlin, Jack. "Casper will get another Western States Hockey League team". Casper Star-Tribune Online. Retrieved June 1, 2021.
  39. ^ LaChance, Brendan (October 2, 2019). "Casper Bobcats won't play hockey this winter". Oil City News. Retrieved June 1, 2021.
  40. ^ "Fort Caspar Museum". City of Casper. Archived from the original on February 8, 2011. Retrieved July 15, 2009.
  41. ^ "Trails Center". U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Archived from the original on August 17, 2010. Retrieved July 15, 2009.
  42. ^ "Nicolaysen Art Museum & Discovery Center". Nicolaysen Art Museum & Discovery Center. Retrieved July 15, 2009.
  43. ^ "Casper College". Casper College. Retrieved July 15, 2009.
  44. ^ "Werner Wildlife Museum Review: Casper Best Attractions and Activities Reviews by 10Best". 10Best Inc. Archived from the original on January 16, 2013. Retrieved July 15, 2009.
  45. ^ "Wyoming Veterans Museum". Archived from the original on March 24, 2019. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  46. ^ "Casper Science Museum | The Science Zone". thesciencezone.org. Retrieved September 8, 2022.
  47. ^ "The Cadoma Foundation - Casper, WY - Historic Homes, Museum, Tours".
  48. ^ a b "Arts and Culture". Casper Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Archived from the original on June 9, 2009. Retrieved July 15, 2009.
  49. ^ "Troopers — The Original 'America's Corps'". Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps. Archived from the original on June 19, 2009. Retrieved July 15, 2009.
  50. ^ "Tickets". Wyoming Symphony Orchestra. Archived from the original on September 2, 2011. Retrieved July 15, 2009.
  51. ^ "WELLS FARGO BUILDING AND TOWER, CASPER". The Alliance for Historyc Wyoming.
  52. ^ "Airport renovations to start in July". Casper Star-Tribune. June 24, 2004. Retrieved February 24, 2008.
  53. ^ "Casper Area Transit".
  54. ^ "BARRASSO, John A. (1952 - )". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved November 18, 2012.
  55. ^ "Zane Beadles". Pro-Football-Reference.Com. Retrieved November 18, 2012.
  56. ^ "Tom Browning Stats". Baseball Almanac. Retrieved November 18, 2012.
  57. ^ Tom Morton (May 29, 2009). Former Casperite allegedly led $100 million con in Utah Casper Star-Tribune, accessed April 8, 2021
  58. ^ "SULLIVAN, Patrick Joseph (1865–1935)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved November 18, 2012.
[edit]
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