Our lodging and many meals on our trip took place in Centennial, Wyoming. It is a tiny town with a rich history.
The valley was settled in 1868 and 1869 with plans to be a supplier for the oncoming transcontinental railroad. In 1869, the timbermen were forced out by an Indian raid. The following year in 1870 the first homestead was staked out and over the next decade the rangeland were taken up by homesteaders. Many of those family descendants still live there today.
In the year 1875, a gold mine was discovered in the nearby mountains. The mine produced over $90,000 worth of ore within the first year. The mountain, mine and the first post office were named Centennial. It was the only post office in the United States to be named.
The gold eventually dried up, but the prospect in the 1890s of silver, and continuous searching for gold kept the mine and town going. With the possibility of precious ores being discovered, the Van Horn-Miller Company promoted a railway to run from nearby Laramie, Wyoming to Gold Hill in 1904. Centennial was deemed to be a railroad point along the route.
This plan helped Centennial grow, adding a bank, newspaper, restaurant, hotel, general store and two saloons. Because of these additions, the population grew as well.
In 1908, when the railroad reached Centennial, the gold had dried up and instead of continuing to Gold Hill; the railroad went south to Walden, Colorado. Though there are remnants of the old rail system, the nearest and still thriving Union Pacific Railroad runs through nearby Laramie.
During our visit there is a handful of business including three places to sleep, three places to eat, multiple bars, one gas pump, one food mart and homes dotting the 16.1 mile total area. In 2019 the population was listed at 308, but the sign entering the town states 270. There is a post office, a school and even a library. A coin-operated laundry mat is filled with four dryers and four washers. One bar boasts of the “Best Pizza in Town”, though I am quick to point it is the ONLY pizza in town.
Our view of Medicine Bow Peak National Forest from our 8,074 feet above sea level vantage point, was quite a difference that my home residence of 699 feet above sea level. Stunning view of the mountains, valleys and enormous ranches surrounded us. Occasional smoke from “fires in Montana” made the sunrises and sunset have an extra orange/red glow.
Our time was brief in Centennial, but meeting my friend Mark and his wife for dinner at the Old Corral Hotel was special. Multiple trips to the Country Junction gift shop for ice cream became almost a daily treat. Enjoying a wonderful home cooked breakfast at The Trading Post, waited on by a 14-year-old young man was icing on the cake.
A short 15 minute drive and we were in the shadow of Medicine-Bow Peak that tops out over 12,000 feet. With such proximity to our hotel, we visited it often. The mountains always touch my soul. This one did as well. Mark summed it up nicely. “This is where I am supposed to be.”
Until next time,
Tim (Kilmer)
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