Encampment in Carbon County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
Willis House
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, October 17, 2026
1. Willis House Marker
The National Register
of Historic Places
Wyoming Place No. 383
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1908.
Location. 41° 12.492′ N, 106° 47.674′ W. Marker is in Encampment, Wyoming, in Carbon County. It is on Winchell Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 623 Winchell Avenue, Encampment WY 82325, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Westward Expansion Trails Region. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Republic of Texas.
Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named The Willis House (a few steps from this marker); E & H Building (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Encampment, Wyoming
this page online
Also see . . . Willis House. Excerpt (statement of significance):
The Willis House is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria A and B. The Willis House is significant for its association with the settlement of Grand Encampment during the heady days of the copper boom and because of its association with the lives of two prominent families who contributed greatly to commerce in the area. Constructed in 1908, near the end of the copper boom days, the Willis House was built by Mrs. Lydia M. Willis with unique masonry materials to be a deluxe house of prostitution and the headquarters of the Willis business empire. Mrs. Willis had a network of houses of prostitution with two in Rawlins, probably one in Rock Springs, and one each in Saratoga and Encampment. Not only did the Willises have the prostitution business, they also owned saloons, a coal and lumber yard, a hotel in Rawlins and Mr. Willis bred racing horses. In 1931, the house was acquired and finished by Mr. Charles Deo Terwilliger, a locally prominent(Submitted on October 20, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia.)and respected rancher and merchant. Each of these families contributed in many ways to the history and commercial development of the Platte River valley and Carbon County. Visitors and locals have always expressed great interest in the historic and stylish Willis House. It is a real standout because it is the only two-story masonry residence in Encampment.Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, October 17, 20262. Willis House & Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 31, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 20, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. This page has been viewed 23 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 20, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
