About the City of Torrington and Goshen County

The name of Goshen County comes from the Bible. “The Land of Goshen” was described as having rich soil and abundant water. For this reason, Wyoming’s first permanent settlement, Fort Laramie, was established in Goshen County in 1834. Relive the epic story of American’s western expansion at the Fort Laramie National Historic Site where Indians, trappers, traders, missionaries, emigrants, gold seekers, soldiers, cowboys and homesteaders left their marks.

Torrington, the Goshen County seat, celebrated its Centennial in 2008. The city was established as a post office for farmers and ranchers who were settling this part of what was then Laramie County. The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad came from the east in 1900, and the Union Pacific came from the south in 1926, a necessity for the Holly Sugar factory, which opened that year and operates today as Western Sugar.

Agriculture still plays a significant role for Torrington residents in terms of livelihood and lifestyle, and the Burlington Northern and Union Pacific railroads continue to travel the track through this area hauling coal and other freight. The Eastern Wyoming Junior College in the northwest part of Torrington provides educational, athletic and cultural opportunities.

Torrington offers unique shopping opportunities, whether you are looking for western wear and ag supplies at Bomgaars south of town or value selections at Pamida off east Highway 26. Enjoy the music as you stroll down Main Street where you’ll find coffee shops, a furniture store, electronic and appliance sales, clothing for all ages and sizes, jewelry, kitchenware and unique gift items. Go to www.goshencountychamber.com for a business directory.

Torrington and Goshen County Attractions

The Homesteaders Museum in Torrington, located in the old Union Pacific Depot, is dedicated to the early settlers in the area. It has a real homesteaders shack, a sheep herder’s wagon and contains displays of clothing, furnishings and other phases of the homesteaders life. A Union Pacific Caboose is located on the grounds. The museum is on South Main Street off Highway 85.

Learn about the area’s history by taking a Historical Walking Tour of Torrington or a Self Guided Historic Loop Tour of Goshen County sites by vehicle. Brochures are available at the Chamber office, 350 West 21st St., Torrington.

Fort Laramie National Historic Site is the West’s finest reminder of pioneer life in the 1800s. Just 25 minutes from Torrington, the Fort is open to visitors all year. Come see what life was like at America’s most famous frontier military post. Most of the fort’s 12 restored buildings are completely refurnished. Throughout the summer, park rangers present guided tours, historic cannon firing demonstrations and sponsor specific events.

At the Western History Center, five miles west of Lingle on the way to Fort Laramie, you’ll see mammoth tusks, historic and archaeological displays, rocks and minerals. Dig site tours may be arranged by appointment and there is a hands-on area for children and adults. The Center is offering a special archeological excavation May 22-June 20 at the site of an old trading post known as Fort Bernard located on the Oregon Trail.

Jam Em Historic Building Tours are available by appointment May through September. Located just off highway 85, halfway between Lingle and Lusk, the town of Jay Em was founded in 1912. The name of the town was taken from James Moore’s cattle brand, “JM.” Moore’s ranch was situated 2 miles north of the town site.

Buy fresh, locally grown produce and products July-October at the Goshen County Farmers Markets. Thursday afternoons at the Goshen County Extension Center and Saturday mornings on Main Street, Torrington. Fresh produce is also available in season at the Harvest Home Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze two miles west of Lingle and Wind Harvest Farms, 11 miles east of Torrington.

Swing away at the Torrington Municipal 18 Hole Golf Course, open to the public. Turn west off Highway 85 south of the railroad tracks and travel down 15th Avenue. Carts are available for rent at the pro shop.

For wildlife viewing go to Springer Reservoir: 15 miles south of Torrington, first on WY 154, then on County Road 133 or go to the Rawhide Habitat area: Turn off Highway 26/85 between Torrington and Lingle. Watch for signs.

Boat, fish and camp at the Hawk Springs State Park and Reservoir 32 miles south of Torrington off Highway 85.

Lodging

The Torrington area has a number of fine lodging options – be sure to consider their hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts. Listings are available on the business directory of the Goshen County Chamber of Commerce and the Wyoming Hospitality & Outdoor Adventures site.

This project is supported with funds received from
the USDA Risk Management Agency.

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2010 Living and Working on the Land Event