Near Sinclair in Carbon County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)

Sheepherder's Community

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 9, 2015

1. Sheepherder's Community Marker

Inscription. Sheep were introduced to Wyoming in the 1850's near Fort Bridger, about 180 miles west of Fort Steele. By 1880 the number had grown to over 350,000 head ranging primarily along the route of the Union Pacific Railroad. The Cosgriff Brothers owned one of the largest sheep ranching operations in Wyoming at that time, and they established herds in the Fort Steele area in 1881. After the fort was decommissioned they acquired many of the buildings and in 1903 constructed one of the largest sheep shearing plants in Wyoming. In 1905 over 800,000 pounds of wool was shipped to Boston, the single largest shipment of wool ever sent out of Wyoming.
L.E. Vivian, owner of the Leo Sheep Company, purchased most of the Cosgriff land holdings including the land at Fort Fred Steele in 1915. The house, lean-to, and shed in this area are the remains of a sheepherders' community.

Erected by Wyoming Recreation Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Industry & Commerce.

Location. 41° 46.562′ N, 106° 56.794′ W. Marker is near Sinclair, Wyoming,

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in Carbon County. It is on County Route 347 near Interstate 80, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sinclair WY 82334, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Wyoming’s 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 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ranching (here, next to this marker); Sheep Industry (a few steps from this marker); Sheep Ranching (a few steps from this marker); Bridge Tender's House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Railroad and River (about 400 feet away); Brownsville and Benton (about 400 feet away); Carbon Timber Company (about 400 feet away); A Well Traveled Sawmill (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sinclair.

More about this marker. This marker, among a grouping of a four markers, is

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 9, 2015

2. Sheepherder's Community Marker

located at Fort Fred Steele State Historic Site. The markers are on County Road 347, north of the Interstate 80 Exit 228 and just south of the railroad tracks.

Bed ground, shipping time approaches image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 9, 2015

3. Bed ground, shipping time approaches

Grazing as camp moves image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 9, 2015

4. Grazing as camp moves

High Country Summer Pasture image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 9, 2015

5. High Country Summer Pasture

Heading for winter range image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 9, 2015

6. Heading for winter range

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 25, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 575 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 25, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.