History & Character

Cheyenne, Wyoming

From Tent City to Today

In its earliest days, Cheyenne was nicknamed the “Magic City of the Plains” because of how quickly it transformed from a humble tent city into a bustling town.

General Grenville M. Dodge, head of construction for the Union Pacific Railroad, founded Cheyenne and began planning the town on July 4, 1867. By the time railroad tracks were completed that November, the population had grown to more than 4,000 residents, earning Cheyenne its “Magic City of the Plains” nickname.

As a major railhead for the cattle industry, Cheyenne became a second home for English and European cattle barons. By 1885, Cheyenne was considered the “richest city in the world per capita.”

Built between 1872 and the 1920s, Downtown Cheyenne represents Cheyenne’s first half-century of growth, with “commercial Victorian” design styles and influences still visible in the historic buildings that remain today. These structures—former homes to saloons, breweries, boarding houses, and eating establishments—all played an important role in the growth and development of both the downtown area and the city at large.

In 1978, Downtown Cheyenne officially earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).

Today, the Cheyenne Downtown Development Authority (DDA) continues to spark economic development through urban revitalization in Cheyenne’s Downtown District, ensuring its vibrancy and appeal for years to come.

Historic Finds and Features

While many of Cheyenne’s earliest structures were made entirely of wood and have since been lost to fires or damage over time, visitors can still experience the city’s historic character while exploring Downtown Cheyenne today.

Several historic buildings available to admire and explore include: