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Wikipedia

Casper, Wyoming

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, Wyoming
Overview of downtown, looking south toward Casper Mountain, with North Platte River
Nickname: 
"The Oil City"
Casper
Location within Wyoming
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
 • 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
 • 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 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]

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[46] where an annual series of touring Broadway shows, Broadway in Casper, can be seen.

Casper is home to the Troopers,[47] a drum and bugle corps in Drum Corps International, and the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra.[48] During the summer months, Casper's City Band performs free concerts Thursday evenings at Washington Park, weather permitting.[46]

Architecture edit

Wyoming National Bank, a mid-century modern tower, was designed by Charles Deaton and is featured in Casper's logo.[49]

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 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.
  •   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.
  •   US 87 – North-South through Casper that runs concurrent with I-25 through Casper.

Wyoming State Highways:

  •   WYO 220 (N. Poplar St., CY Avenue) – East–west route from I-25/US 87 (Exit 188B) west out of Casper towards Alcova.
  •   WYO 251 (Wolcott St., Casper Mountain Rd.) – North–south route that continues south out of Casper and up Casper Mountain, eventually ending at WYO 487.
  •   WYO 252 (S. Poplar St.) – 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 Hwy.) in Mills.
  •   WYO 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.
  •   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 edit

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.[50] 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 edit

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.[51] They offer fixed route service called Casper Area LINK and an on-request service called ASSIST from Monday to Saturday.

Scheduled bus service edit

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

Notable people edit

See also edit

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. ^ . 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. ^ . 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. ^ . 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 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. ^ . 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. ^ . City of Casper. Archived from the original on October 27, 2010. Retrieved July 16, 2009.
  31. ^ . Wyoming Cavalry. Archived from the original on July 24, 2009. Retrieved July 16, 2009.
  32. ^ . visitcasper.com. Archived from the original on April 24, 2019. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
  33. ^ . visitcasper.com. Archived from the original on April 24, 2019. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
  34. ^ . visitcasper.com. Archived from the original on April 24, 2019. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
  35. ^ . Caspercoyotes.com. Archived from the original on January 8, 2018. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
  36. ^ Nowlin, Jack. "Casper will get another Western States Hockey League team". Casper Star-Tribune Online. Retrieved June 1, 2021.
  37. ^ LaChance, Brendan (October 2, 2019). "Casper Bobcats won't play hockey this winter". Oil City News. Retrieved June 1, 2021.
  38. ^ . City of Casper. Archived from the original on February 8, 2011. Retrieved July 15, 2009.
  39. ^ . U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Archived from the original on August 17, 2010. Retrieved July 15, 2009.
  40. ^ "Nicolaysen Art Museum & Discovery Center". Nicolaysen Art Museum & Discovery Center. Retrieved July 15, 2009.
  41. ^ "Casper College". Casper College. Retrieved July 15, 2009.
  42. ^ "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.
  43. ^ . Archived from the original on March 24, 2019. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  44. ^ "Casper Science Museum | The Science Zone". thesciencezone.org. Retrieved September 8, 2022.
  45. ^ "The Cadoma Foundation - Casper, WY - Historic Homes, Museum, Tours".
  46. ^ a b . Casper Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Archived from the original on June 9, 2009. Retrieved July 15, 2009.
  47. ^ . Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps. Archived from the original on June 19, 2009. Retrieved July 15, 2009.
  48. ^ . Wyoming Symphony Orchestra. Archived from the original on September 2, 2011. Retrieved July 15, 2009.
  49. ^ "WELLS FARGO BUILDING AND TOWER, CASPER". The Alliance for Historyc Wyoming.
  50. ^ "Airport renovations to start in July". Casper Star-Tribune. June 24, 2004. Retrieved February 24, 2008.
  51. ^ "Casper Area Transit".
  52. ^ "BARRASSO, John A. (1952 - )". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved November 18, 2012.
  53. ^ "Zane Beadles". Pro-Football-Reference.Com. Retrieved November 18, 2012.
  54. ^ "Tom Browning Stats". Baseball Almanac. Retrieved November 18, 2012.
  55. ^ Tom Morton (May 29, 2009). Former Casperite allegedly led $100 million con in Utah Casper Star-Tribune, accessed April 8, 2021
  56. ^ "SULLIVAN, Patrick Joseph (1865–1935)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved November 18, 2012.

External links edit

  • City website
  • Casper Area Chamber of Commerce

casper, wyoming, casper, city, county, seat, natrona, county, wyoming, united, states, casper, second, most, populous, city, state, after, cheyenne, with, population, 2020, census, casper, nicknamed, city, long, history, boomtown, cowboy, culture, dating, back. 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 WyomingCityOverview of downtown looking south toward Casper Mountain with North Platte RiverFlagSealLogoNickname The Oil City CasperLocation within WyomingShow map of WyomingCasperLocation within the United StatesShow map of the United StatesCoordinates 42 51 0 N 106 19 30 W 42 85000 N 106 32500 W 42 85000 106 32500CountryUnited StatesState WyomingCountyNatronaGovernment 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 Elevation5 150 ft 1 560 m Population 2020 4 City59 038 RankUS 662ndWY 2nd Density2 182 21 sq mi 842 55 km2 Urban64 548 US 424th Metro79 955 US 378th Time zoneUTC 7 MST Summer DST UTC 6 MDT ZIP Codes82601 82602 82604 82605 82609 82615 82630 82638 82646Area code307FIPS code56 13150 5 GNIS feature ID1586424 6 Websitecasperwy govCasper is located in east central Wyoming on the North Platte River Contents 1 History 2 Geography 3 Climate 4 Demographics 4 1 2010 census 4 2 2000 census 5 Economy 6 Education 7 Media 8 Sports 9 Culture 9 1 Museums and historical sites 9 2 Performing arts and music 9 3 Architecture 10 Transportation 10 1 Highways 10 2 Airports 10 3 Public transit 10 4 Scheduled bus service 11 Notable people 12 See also 13 References 14 External linksHistory editThe 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 nbsp The waterfall at Casper s Rotary Park at the base of Casper MountainInterstate 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 editCasper as with most of the rest of Wyoming has a continental semi arid climate Koppen 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 presentMonth Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec YearRecord 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 9Average 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 5Mean 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 6Mean 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 1Mean 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 2Percent possible sunshine 69 58 73 75 73 77 79 86 89 64 70 70 74Average ultraviolet index 2 2 2 2 5 6 6 6 4 2 2 2 3Source 1 NOAA 17 Weather Atlas sun data 18 Source 2 National Weather Service 16 Demographics editHistorical 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 editCasper is a regional center of banking and commerce nbsp Sinclair s Casper refinery in nearby EvansvilleAfter 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 editCasper 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 editCasper 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 Sports editUFC 6 took place at the Casper Events Center in 1995 Casper hosted the AIFA Championship Bowl III at the Casper Events Center on July 26 2009 30 31 The Events Center has hosted the College National Finals Rodeo since 2001 The Casper Recreation Center offers basketball fitness racquetball volleyball and is adjacent to the Casper Family Aquatics Center and Casper Ice Arena 32 Soccer matches are held at the Casper Soccer Complex 33 The Casper Municipal Golf Course is a public 27 hole golf course in Casper 34 Sports teams based in Casper include 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 35 36 37 Casper Ghosts formerly From 2001 to 2011 Mike Lansing Field hosted the Ghosts of the Pioneer League Rookie level affiliate of the Colorado Rockies In 2011 the team relocated to Grand Junction Colorado to become the 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 Spuds a collegiate summer baseball team of Independence League Baseball that started play in the summer of 2023 after relocating from Caldwell Idaho playing their home games at Mike Lansing Field Culture editMuseums and historical sites edit nbsp Buildings at Fort CasparCasper is home to a number of museums and historical sites Fort Caspar Museum and Historic Site 38 National Historic Trails Interpretive Center a federally funded and operated museum 39 Nicolaysen Art Museum 40 Tate Geological Museum at Casper College 41 Werner Wildlife Museum 42 Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum 43 The Science Zone 44 Historic Bishop Home 45 Performing arts and music edit nbsp The Casper Troopers part of Drum Corps InternationalCasper has three locations offering theater the Gertrude Krampert Theatre at Casper College Stage III Community Theatre and the Casper Events Center 46 where an annual series of touring Broadway shows Broadway in Casper can be seen Casper is home to the Troopers 47 a drum and bugle corps in Drum Corps International and the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra 48 During the summer months Casper s City Band performs free concerts Thursday evenings at Washington Park weather permitting 46 Architecture edit Wyoming National Bank a mid century modern tower was designed by Charles Deaton and is featured in Casper s logo 49 Transportation editHighways edit Interstate Highways nbsp I 25 North South Interstate running from Las Cruces New Mexico to Buffalo Wyoming US Routes nbsp 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 nbsp 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 nbsp US 87 North South through Casper that runs concurrent with I 25 through Casper Wyoming State Highways nbsp WYO 220 N Poplar St CY Avenue East west route from I 25 US 87 Exit 188B west out of Casper towards Alcova nbsp WYO 251 Wolcott St Casper Mountain Rd North south route that continues south out of Casper and up Casper Mountain eventually ending at WYO 487 nbsp WYO 252 S Poplar St North south route from the intersection of Poplar Street and CY avenue to Casper Mountain Road nbsp WYO 254 Salt Creek Hwy North south route from I 25 US 87 south to US 20 26 Yellowstone Hwy in Mills nbsp WYO 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 nbsp 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 edit 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 50 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 edit 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 51 They offer fixed route service called Casper Area LINK and an on request service called ASSIST from Monday to Saturday Scheduled bus service edit Scheduled bus service once offered by Power River Bus Lines is now offered by ExpressArrow formerly Black Hills Stages Notable people editLogan Wilson born 1996 Linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals John Barrasso born 1952 Republican U S Senator from Wyoming 52 Zane Beadles born 1986 former Utah Ute offensive lineman former member of the San Francisco 49ers 53 C J Box born 1958 author 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 54 Taven Bryan born 1996 professional football player Dick Cheney born 1941 US vice president Secretary of Defense CEO of Halliburton Company grew up in Casper Liz Cheney born 1966 lawyer member of U S State Department daughter of Dick Cheney attended elementary school in Casper elected to the U S House of Representatives Lynne Cheney born 1941 wife of former Vice President Dick Cheney Tom Coburn 1948 2020 U S Senator from Oklahoma Barbara Cubin born 1946 former member of the U S House of Representatives grew up and graduated from high school in Casper Mike Devereaux born 1963 professional baseball player with World Series rings with Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves Ron Franscell born 1957 journalist crime author Mary Meyer Gilmore born 1947 former Democratic member of the Wyoming House of Representatives Rick Koerber born 1973 convicted felon who was found guilty in federal court of orchestrating and running a 100 million Ponzi scheme 55 Marlan Scully born 1939 physicist best known for his work in theoretical quantum optics Matthew Scully born 1959 author speechwriter Matthew Shepard born 1976 murder victim for whom the Matthew Shepard Hate Crime Act is named Patrick Joseph Sullivan 1864 1935 mayor of Casper Wyoming 1897 1898 member of United States Senate from Wyoming 1929 1930 56 Floyd Volker 1921 1995 professional basketball player Pete Williams born 1952 NBC News journalist covering the U S Justice Department See also editList of municipalities in WyomingReferences edit City Council and Manager City of Casper City of Casper Retrieved December 18 2019 City Manager City of Casper Casperwy gov Retrieved January 9 2018 2019 U S Gazetteer Files United States Census Bureau Retrieved August 7 2020 a b 2020 Census Redistricting Data Public Law 94 171 Summary File American FactFinder United States Census Bureau Retrieved May 9 2022 a b U S Census website United States Census Bureau Retrieved January 31 2008 US Board on Geographic Names United States Geological Survey October 25 2007 Retrieved January 31 2008 Find a County National Association of Counties Archived from the original on May 31 2011 Retrieved June 7 2011 a b c Fifer Barbara Wyoming s Historic Forts Farcountry Press pp 59 68 Platte River Fords Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office Archived from the original on February 28 2008 Retrieved March 4 2008 Casper Star Tribune 19 Feb 1950 page 202 A History of the Origin of the Place Names in Nine Northwestern States 1908 p 128 Wyoming Place Names Annals of Wyoming 15 1 85 90 January 1943 A History of the Chicago amp North Western Railway System 1910 p 160 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 US Gazetteer files 2010 United States Census Bureau Archived from the original on July 2 2012 Retrieved December 14 2012 a b NOAA Online Weather Data National Weather Service Retrieved August 15 2022 U S Climate Normals Quick Access National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Retrieved August 15 2022 Casper Wyoming Monthly weather forecast and Climate data Weather Atlas Retrieved May 22 2023 Historical Decennial Census Population for Wyoming Counties Cities and Towns Wyoming Department of State U S Census Bureau Retrieved June 30 2008 Moffatt Riley Population History of Western U S Cities amp Towns 1850 1990 Lanham Scarecrow 1996 338 U S Census website United States Census Bureau Retrieved December 14 2012 Rocky Mountain Power s Wind Projects Rocky Mountain Power 2010 PDF Archived January 3 2011 at the Wayback Machine Transporting wind turbine components permanent dead link Martin Chris February 7 2020 Wind Turbine Blades Can t Be Recycled So They re Piling Up in Landfills Yahoo Retrieved February 7 2020 UW Bachelors Degree and Certificate Programs University of Wyoming Archived from the original on May 4 2009 Retrieved July 15 2009 2020 CENSUS SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP Natrona County WY PDF U S Census Bureau Retrieved March 13 2024 Text list Wyoming Public Libraries PublicLibraries com Retrieved June 13 2019 About WyoFile Retrieved September 30 2022 The Scoop On Oil City News Oil City News Retrieved September 30 2022 Casper Events Center City of Casper Archived from the original on October 27 2010 Retrieved July 16 2009 Wyoming Cavalry News amp Events Wyoming Cavalry Archived from the original on July 24 2009 Retrieved July 16 2009 Casper Recreation Center visitcasper com Archived from the original on April 24 2019 Retrieved April 23 2019 Casper Soccer Complex visitcasper com Archived from the original on April 24 2019 Retrieved April 23 2019 Casper Municipal Golf Course visitcasper com Archived from the original on April 24 2019 Retrieved April 23 2019 Casper Coyotes Casper Coyotes Junior Hockey Caspercoyotes com Archived from the original on January 8 2018 Retrieved January 9 2018 Nowlin Jack Casper will get another Western States Hockey League team Casper Star Tribune Online Retrieved June 1 2021 LaChance Brendan October 2 2019 Casper Bobcats won t play hockey this winter Oil City News Retrieved June 1 2021 Fort Caspar Museum City of Casper Archived from the original on February 8 2011 Retrieved July 15 2009 Trails Center U S Bureau of Land Management Archived from the original on August 17 2010 Retrieved July 15 2009 Nicolaysen Art Museum amp Discovery Center Nicolaysen Art Museum amp Discovery Center Retrieved July 15 2009 Casper College Casper College Retrieved July 15 2009 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 Wyoming Veterans Museum Archived from the original on March 24 2019 Retrieved June 14 2019 Casper Science Museum The Science Zone thesciencezone org Retrieved September 8 2022 The Cadoma Foundation Casper WY Historic Homes Museum Tours a b Arts and Culture Casper Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Archived from the original on June 9 2009 Retrieved July 15 2009 Troopers The Original America s Corps Troopers Drum amp Bugle Corps Archived from the original on June 19 2009 Retrieved July 15 2009 Tickets Wyoming Symphony Orchestra Archived from the original on September 2 2011 Retrieved July 15 2009 WELLS FARGO BUILDING AND TOWER CASPER The Alliance for Historyc Wyoming Airport renovations to start in July Casper Star Tribune June 24 2004 Retrieved February 24 2008 Casper Area Transit BARRASSO John A 1952 Biographical Directory of the United States Congress Retrieved November 18 2012 Zane Beadles Pro Football Reference Com Retrieved November 18 2012 Tom Browning Stats Baseball Almanac Retrieved November 18 2012 Tom Morton May 29 2009 Former Casperite allegedly led 100 million con in Utah Casper Star Tribune accessed April 8 2021 SULLIVAN Patrick Joseph 1865 1935 Biographical Directory of the United States Congress Retrieved November 18 2012 External links edit nbsp Wikimedia Commons has media related to Casper Wyoming nbsp Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Casper City website Casper Area Chamber of Commerce Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Casper Wyoming amp oldid 1215105423, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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