An
area first visited by the nomadic Plains
Indians (Shoshone, Arapaho, Sioux, Crow, Cheyenne), Centennial
was first lightly populated by settlers seeking timber on Centennial
Mountain which rises above the town on the West. Ties
were needed when the Transcontinental Railroad came through Laramie
in 1868. The town's growth continued when the Homestead Act opened
the lush Laramie River Valley to ranchers and got another boost
with the discovery of gold on Centennial Mountain in 1875. In 1876
a post office was established and the town was named for the big
event of the year, America's first centennial celebration. In 1877,
the main gold vain ended at a fault line. The other half of the
vein has never been found, though the search goes on. In 2000, the
Wyoming State Geological Survey announced a new gold sample had
been found that gives new hope of the vein being found again. Reminants
of the Utiopia, the Queen Mine and several other mines still remain.
By 1907, the town had established a bank (now a bed and breakfast),
hotel (still in use), school and its own railroad spur. Today, Centennial
is a popular visitors site having historic charm, fine dining, theatre,
grand vistas and great recreation. |
