Gillette in Campbell County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
Watering Hole
Burlington Lake
| | Burlington Lake Trail | |
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 29, 2022
1. Watering Hole Marker
In 1891 when Gillette was founded, day-to-day living revolved around the railroad and surrounding ranches. The northern boundary of the City at that time was Burlington Lake where cattle were led to drink when livestock was moved by railroads. From 1891 to 1906, the new community of Gillette drew water from wells, Donkey Creek and the seasonal pond which was Burlington Lake. With the railroad coming through Gillette, a larger, more dependable source of water would eventually be needed.
Erected by Campbell County Historical Society and Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.
Location. 44° 17.985′ N, 105° 29.905′ W. Marker is in Gillette, Wyoming, in Campbell County. It can be reached from the intersection of East Warlow Drive and North Osborne Avenue, on the left when traveling east. The marker is on the Burlington Lake Trail at McManamen Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 501 East Warlow
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin. It is also in the American Mountain West, on the Great Plains, on the Northern Plains, and specifically on the High Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Burlington Ditch (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); McManamen Park Walkway Improved (about 700 feet away); Champion of Gillette's Green Spaces (about 800 feet away); Dog-Banning Proposal (approx. Ό mile away); Improvements After the War (approx. Ό mile away); Gillette Beautification (approx. 0.3 miles away); Fred & Florence Hicks Homestead (approx. 0.4 miles away); 1912 Flood Disaster (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gillette.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Burlington Lake Trail
Also see . .
Courtesy Rockpile Museum
2. Marker detail: Round-up horses in rope corral and Keeling cowboys at Burington Lake
Excerpt: Gillette was founded in 1891 with the coming of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad and incorporated on January 6, 1892, less than two years after Wyoming became a state. Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad changed the name of the terminus to Gillette, after Edward Gillette, a surveyor for the company.(Submitted on July 23, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 29, 2022
3. Watering Hole Marker
Looking northeast from the Burlington Lake Trail.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 29, 2022
4. Burlington Lake today
Credits. This page was last revised on July 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 22, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 23, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 4. submitted on July 25, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
