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Back To The Old West
Travel Back To The Old West
by Viogio Mando
There was a time that the phrase ~Old West~ brought up
images of endless blue skies, sagebrush and pines.
Cowboys tipping their hats to the ladies as they made
the journey home from church services on Sunday
afternoons, or colorful dancehall girls and the local
rowdy bunch living it up, with lively piano music to
serenade their escapades.
The Old West was more than a place in history, its
uniqueness of lifestyle and notorious characters,
gave it its own little place in history and legend,
but for the most part, the Wild West has slipped into
the pages of history and lore.
Today if one were to venture into the Old West, they
would likely find busy freeways, high rise buildings;
and the city lights drowning out the starry night
skies. Could one find the essence of the Old West if
they were to hit the trail in search? Fortunately,
hidden in the National Forests and deserts, reached
by the backloads of the Western United States, are a
few places that still radiate the spirit of the Old
West.
In the heart of Wyoming, one would find such a place,
a region that will capture the imagination and
transport you back to the wild days of the Old West.
In the foothills of the Wind River Mountain range;
located 25 miles southeast of Lander, Wyoming, is the
South Pass City area. On a series of well maintained
gravel roads you will find at least three ghost towns;
a Calvary Fort and many abandoned gold mines, as well
as the Carissa mine. The South Pass City district is
rich in folklore and abounds with tales of outlaws and
Indians.
In 1842, gold was discovered in the Sweetwater Creek,
and before long, South Pass City was born. The town
is one of the most complete and authentic ghost towns
in the west. Of the original 300 buildings, 30 still
remain intact. In its heyday, South Pass City~s
population reached nearly 4,000 citizens, but all was
not well on the home front. Frequent raids by the Sioux
and Cheyenne brought in the U. S Calvary and Fort
Stambaugh came into existence. The remains of this fort
can still be seen and is only a short drive over dirt
roads from South Pass City.
A visit to this gold rush town is like stepping back
through the gates of time. Take a moment and shop at
the Smith - Sherlock General Store, here you will find
old fashion candy and possibly even a book containing
recipes of the pioneers.
The famous Oregon Trail came right through the South
Pass area; making its final crossing of the Sweetwater
River near a telegraph and stage station known as Burt
Ranch. Following the old Oregon Trail you can still see
the wagon ruts of the many pioneers who blew caution to
the wind and set out for the Old Wild West and adventure.
If an explorer craves even more of that Old West flavor,
just a short drive away is the ghost town of Atlantic
City, where many of the original buildings are still
intact and some are even being used. Atlantic City~s old
saloon is still in operation and is now a restaurant
which serves up some delicious steak dinners.
The restored Miner~s Delight is the local Bed & Breakfast
and if you would like something a little more rustic the
owners rent out cabins as well. A short walk from the
Miner~s Delight Bed & Breakfast is the Two-Bit Gulch, an
art gallery displaying works from many Wyoming artists.
If this isn~t enough adventure you will find the area
full of opportunities for fishing, hiking and rock
climbing, just to name a few activities available in the
region.
A trip the South Pass area is a good bet for some
authentic Old West
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