Little Snake River Museum

10/21/2026

Once Upon Our Valley: A Journey Through Wyoming in 1913

Imagine setting out on a road trip across Wyoming in an automobile over a century ago! No paved highways, no GPS, and certainly no roadside assistance waiting just a phone call away.

In the fall of 1913, Orson A. Stearns set out on a rather ambitious journey from Klamath Falls, Oregon, to Omaha, Nebraska. Having crossed the West by covered wagon with his family as a child in 1853, Stearns wanted to revisit as much of that old emigrant route as possible, this time by automobile.

His journey brought him right through our corner of Wyoming. When he reached Cokeville in early October, rainy weather and muddy roads forced him to change his plans. The following morning, he set out into a blinding snowstorm. Snow covered roads, deep mud, flat tires, and engine trouble made the trip toward Kemmerer a most unique adventure.

When Stearns finally arrived in Kemmerer, he found a bustling coal-mining community. He described the numerous mines, coal bunkers, railroad tracks, and workers' homes stretching along the valley. He even visited a nearby mine to observe how coal was brought to the surface and loaded off for transport.

Continuing east, his route took him through Green River, Rock Springs, Wamsutter, and Rawlins before carrying him farther across Wyoming and toward Nebraska.

Stearns' diary offers us a fascinating outsider's perspective on the communities, industries, roads, and landscapes of our region more than 110 years ago. His observations remind us just how much has changed, and how much history lies along the roads we travel today.

Want to take the journey yourself? Read Orson A. Stearns' original diary through the link below and discover what he had to say about the places he visited!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NTjmHdLXoc1N9w4E0O5OagsDu0afwm9_/view?usp=sharing

What do you think would have been the hardest part of making this trip in 1913?

10/21/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Natalie Danford for her time, dedication, and contributions to the Little Snake River Museum! ❤️ We’re grateful for the time she’s given to our museum and community, and she will be missed on our board.

As we say thank you to Natalie, we’re also looking for someone new to join our board! If you’ve ever wanted to get involved and help preserve our local history, we’d love to hear from you. See the poster below for details!

10/20/2026

Join us here at the museum on October 28th for our final Life and Times before we close for the season. We will be watching a PBS special, 100 Years on the Lincoln Highway. See the attached poster for details, and please feel free to DM us with any questions!

10/20/2026

MYTH OR FACT? The Little Snake River Valley once had a gold-mining ditch that was more than 10 miles long.

In the late 1800s, gold mining brought people and industry to the region around Hahn's Peak, Colorado. But getting gold out of the ground required more than just picks and shovels.

What do you think? Drop your guesses in the comments, and check back for the answer!

10/20/2026

10/19/2026

HISTORY SLEUTH: HOW MANY SHEEP?

This week's History Sleuth is a little different! Instead of identifying a person or place, we're putting your counting skills to the test.

Take a good look at this historic photo of a busy sheep operation in the Little Snake River Valley. There are sheep everywhere you look, but just how many can you count?

What's your best guess? How many sheep are in this photograph? Drop your number in the comments! We'll see who comes closest. And no counting sheep in your sleep allowed!

10/17/2026

MUSEUM ODDITIES: The Spittoon

Have you ever seen one of these old-fashioned brass spittoons?

Common in the 1800s and early 1900s, spittoons were used by people who chewed to***co and were often found in saloons, hotels, train stations, and other public places. They provided a designated place to spit at a time when to***co chewing was widespread. These everyday objects offer a glimpse into the customs and daily life of an earlier era. Though once an ordinary part of public spaces, spittoons are now a reminder of just how much our habits and ideas about hygiene have changed!

Have you ever seen one in person? Let us know in the comments!

10/16/2026

WHO IS THIS?

This week's mystery person has deep roots in the Little Snake River Valley and a family legacy woven into the history of our area. Here are a few clues to help you figure out who he is!

-He was born on March 13 and was the youngest of four children.
-His mother was a strong, determined woman who raised her children on her own after tragedy struck their family.
-His grandfather was a well-known mountain man whose name is still remembered throughout the valley.
-He called Dixon, Wyoming, home and spent much of his life there.
-He wasn't interested in becoming wealthy. He preferred a modest life, working the land alongside his brother.
-He also took pride in keeping the local cemetery neat, orderly, and well cared for.

Have you figured out who we're talking about? Leave your guesses in the comments below! And if you know a little more about this week's mystery person, we'd love to hear your memories and stories.

10/15/2026

PHOTO DETECTIVE

All the photos you see were taken in the same year! Look closely. There are clues in these photographs that tell us what era we're looking at. From an old cabin and a flock of sheep to a man standing on a balcony with a ladder below him, each of these photos offer a little glimpse into the past.

Take a good look and leave your guess in the comments! Bonus points if you can identify any of the people or buildings!

What year do you think it was?