Near Lovell in Big Horn County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
Big Horn Basin
The Wind River, fed by many tributaries in the Wind River Mountains, becomes the Big Horn River at "Wedding of the Water" in Wind River Canyon. It is the principle drainage of the Basin. The river flows into Big Horn Lake, 71 miles upstream from Yellowtail Dam. It is the center of 120,000-acre Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area administered by the National Park Service.
The Pryor Mountains is the first National Wild Horse Range established by an act of Congress. It provides sanctuary for about 200 wild mustangs.
In the Basin, Sheep Mountain reveals classic geologic history where the strata of many eras are exposed in the anticline.
Heart Mountain Relocation camp, northeast of Cody, is where more than 11,000 Japanese Americans were confined during World War II from August 1942 until summer 1945. Despite harsh winters and austere living conditions, the Nisei brought water to the bench and successfully irrigated 1200 acres of farmland.
Four counties, Park, Big Horn, Washakie and Hot Springs, comprise the Basin. Their seats are Cody, Basin, Worland and Thermopiolis. Cody is home of the world-famous Buffalo Bill Historic Center and Thermopolis hosts the world's largest mineral hot springs.
North east of the Basin, atop Medicine Mountain at an elevation of 9,642 feet, lies the prehistoric Medicine Wheel, a mysterious circle of stone 80 feet in diameter. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970. Near-by in sharp contrast, is an FAA air traffic control radar station built in 1962. It is a high-tech facility which monitors air traffic over three states.
Beginning in the late 1800s, Mormon pioneers moved into the northern end of the Basin and camped in tents along the "Stinking Water" (Shoshone) River until their log homes could be built. They established the communities of Lovell, Cowley and Byron. Today, the Basin's prime industries are farming, ranching, oil, mining, manufacturing and tourism.
Erected by Wyoming Transportation Department, Mary Alice Fortin Foundation of Florida and Big Horn Mountain Medicine Wheel Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features. A significant historical month for this entry is August 1942.
Location. 44° 47.358′ N, 107° 55.896′ W. Marker is near Lovell, Wyoming, in Big Horn County. Marker is on Alternate Route 14A at milepost 74 near Forest Road 651, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lovell WY 82431, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Bighorn Basin (within shouting distance of this marker); Reconstruction - Finally! (approx. 1.9 miles away); Five Springs (approx. 2˝ miles away); Welcome to the Medicine Wheel (approx. 2.6 miles away); Medicine Wheel (approx. 2.7 miles away); a different marker also named Medicine Wheel (approx. 2.7 miles away); The Original Dayton-Kane Highway (approx. 2.8 miles away); a different marker also named Medicine Wheel (approx. 4.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lovell.
More about this marker. The marker is located at an overview turnout on U.S. Highway 14A. The site is marked by "Point of Interest" sign.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 5, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 469 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 5, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.