Rock Springs

Rock Springs began as a stop on the Overland Stage route in 1862, making it one of the older communities in the state. Because of the railroad, workers seeking employment as railroad construction workers coal miners arrived in droves. Many of them came from Europe, China and Japan.
By 1885 there were 331 Chinese coal miners and only 150 white miners. The Chinese suffered discrimination at the hands of their white colleagues, because they were willing to work for less money and did not go on strike when the Union Pacific cut all miners' wages. Governor Francis E. Warren called for federal troops to stop the resultant bloody uprising.
More than a century later, Rock Springs is still a melting pot of the American West. More than 50 nationalities are represented here. Much of the cultural diversity of the town is because of the railroad.

While coal is still an important part of the Rock Springs economy, it is not the only feature that attracts visitors to the city. Just south of Rock Springs is Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. The 90 mile-long reservoir features lofty cliffs, brilliantly colored rocks, trophy fishing and unlimited water sports possibilities.
Wildlife, including deer, antelope, golden eagles and hawks inhabit the area. For anglers, lunker rainbow, lake and brown trout swim the waters of the gorge. Kokanee salmon and small bass also call the reservoir home.
To reach another area attraction near Rock Springs, Red Canyon Vista and Visitor Center, take loop road Wyoming Highway 30, U. S. 191 and Utah 260.

As in numerous other Wyoming locations, Rock Spring attracts dinosaur buffs. Western Wyoming Community College in Rock springs, displays several castings of dinosaur skeletons that were found in Wyoming.
Wyoming's Red Desert in southeastern Wyoming near Rock Springs and Rawlins is an interesting feature of the state's terrain. Less than 8 inches of rain fall in the desert, which has the distinction of being the most arid location in Wyoming. The Red Desert was formed by the separation of the Continental Divide.
While it may seem there's not much to see in the desert, the residents of the area hold the annual Red Desert Roundup Rodeo and the Desert Balloon Extravaganza, as well as other summer events, including pari-mutual horse racing.

The Sweetwater Events Complex is home to Wyoming's Big How, a tremendous regional event encompassing a three-day rodeo, downtown cattle drive, parade, nightly concert, midway carnival, the Sweetwater County Fair and more. In 1997, the Events Business News Fair Issue, 38,000 events nationwide events competing, recognized the Big Show as one of the top 200 events in the nation.