Crisscrossing the rolling plains and rugged mountains of Wyoming, an overlooked network of historic stage stations dot the landscape. Remnants of a bygone era, these aging pieces of history are reminders of the days of Oregon Trail pioneers and the Pony Express and played vital roles during the westward expansion. The Granger Stage Station, tucked away near Green River, is one historic site that’s easy to miss. You won’t find any neon signs guiding the way, but this is actually the oldest stage station still standing in Wyoming!

The Granger Stage Station in southwest Wyoming was a pivotal stop along the Overland Trail in the 1850s — one of many stops along the route to Salt Lake City.
Brent Hugh/GoogleReviews
It witnessed the hustle and bustle of emigrants, the height of the Pony Express, and the steady growth of stagecoach travel as they carried passengers and mail to the coast.
Roy D. Marsh/Wikimedia
This stone building was built around 1956, replacing the older Ham's Fork (a dugout-style waypoint).
anthony ray/GoogleReviews
By 1868, with the advent of the Union Pacific Railroad, the station was renamed South Bend and later Granger. Eventually, it became an active rail line station that even had prominent figures like Mark Twain pass through.
Brent Hugh/GoogleReviews

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Visitors today often drive I-80 with an end goal in mind, but stop for a moment and you'll notice that this slice of the countryside is eerily quiet. It's hard to believe the area was once a bustling stop on the California, Oregon, and Mormon trails.
Brent Hugh/GoogleReviews
Yet, at one point in history, thousands of travelers once passed through this station, ponied up, and charged westward.
The Ben Holladay Stage Co. developed this station into one of the most important stage stops in the state.
Brent Hugh/GoogleReviews
Though now a State Historic Site, little more remains of the Granger Stage Station other than the two-room stone building, some scattered rubble, and few historic markers.
Wendy White/GoogleReviews
While we don't know with complete certainty that this was the first stage station built in Wyoming, it's highly likely, as Ham's Fork started operations around 1850, the same year the Midway Station near Saratoga was built. Either way, it's worth a stop!
Brent Hugh/GoogleReviews

History is around every corner in Wyoming, and the Granger Stage Station is just the start! What are the coolest historic sites you’ve ever visited?

Nearby Green River is a pretty fantastic place to explore while you’re in the area. Or, head to a different Green River and hike the Green River Lakes loop – just make sure your vehicle can handle the rough road to the trailhead and you have a GPS app!

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Granger Stage Station State Historic Site, 110 Spruce St, Granger, WY 82934, USA