Wyoming is famous for still holding on to an old fashioned way of life. After all, we live off the grid, ride out on cattle drives, work ranches, and generally live a slow paced life much like our ancestors did. However, when you look at photos from early Wyoming history, you’ll see that a lot has actually changed. Take a look at this pictures from the 1930s and 1940s to see what life was like in Wyoming way back when.

This sheep wagon in Natrona County shows how agricultural products were moved before tractor trailers ruled the roads.
Photogrammar / Arthur Rosenstein
Here's a familiar sight: cattle grazing out by Lusk, Wyoming. Some things never change!
Photogrammar / Arthur Rosenstein
Fort Bridger was decommissioned in 1890, but it's been a historic site since. Here's a photo from the late 1930s.
Photogrammar / Arthur Rosenstein
The ghost town of Cambria was long abandoned by the time this photo was taken in 1940.
Photogrammar / Russell Lee
Sweetwater County has always been proud of the fact that the continental divide runs through. You'll still find CD markers on the highways today.
Photogrammar / Arthur Rosenstein
How is it possible for the University to look so similar, and yet so different?
Photogrammar / Arthur Rosenstein

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Main Street in Laramie has changed quite a bit, but you can still tell that it's the same place as this photo shows.
Photogrammar / Arthur Rosenstein
Medicine Bow is now, for all intents and purposes, a ghost town. In the 1940s, it was still inhabited. You can see it alive and well in this photo.
Photogrammar / Arthur Rosenstein
How fun is it to look at Sheridan from 80 years ago? The legendary Mint Bar still stands today.
Photogrammar / Marion Post Walcott
This gorgeous Piney Hotel was located in downtown Big Piney. Don't you wish you could stay here for just one night?
Photogrammar / Marion Post Walcott
Ranchester is a town that many Wyomingites will never even drive through, but in 1941, the Stockman's Saloon was a popular watering hole.
Photogrammar / Marion Post Walcott
Jackson has changed tremendously over the past few decades. This photo shows the old Mercantile in the center of town.
Photogrammar / Marion Post Walcott

You can find more fascinating photos of early Wyoming history on the Yale Photogrammar website.

For more about Wyoming’s storied past, read the story of the famous outlaw who earned his nickname in a quiet Wyoming town.

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