Happy Independence Day!
248 years of independence, and Wyoming’s been celebrating in style. From fur traders to rodeo riders, here’s how our state has marked America’s birthday. We’re highlighting a few of Wyoming’s Fourth of July traditions and featuring some festive images from our collections.
The first Independence Day celebration in Wyoming occurred July 4, 1830, when fur trader William L. Sublette and eighty-one other men paused on a trip to Wind River to celebrate the holiday at a unique rock feature along the Sweetwater River. They christened the rock, “Independence Rock,” in honor of the day, and “having kept the 4th of July in due style,” Sublette and his men continued towards Wind River. This event marked the first celebration of America’s birthday in the area, and highlighted the spirit of independence and exploration that characterized the era. The landmark, Independence Rock, went on to become a famous landmark of the Oregon Trail.
Following Sublette’s pioneering celebration, Wyoming – as both a territory and a state – developed its own traditions for marking the patriotic holiday with its various towns hosting several celebrations on both the day and over the week to celebrate. For example, Sheridan’s early Fourth of July celebrations included parades, races, baseball games, and community picnics. In 1890, the Fourth was marked by a large procession, a community baseball game, and a dance that evening.
Other towns like Lander and Cody weren’t to be left out. In Lander, the Fourth of July is the biggest holiday of the year. The town is known for its expansive firework displays, parades, high school reunions, and a buffalo barbecue. Lander also hosts the oldest paid rodeo in the world around this time of year, adding to the unique air of the festivities.
Cody, similarly, hosts the Cody Stampede – a five-day event that boasts a craft fair, kids’ parades, musical performances and a rodeo. The celebration has been a Cody tradition for almost one hundred years and draws both visitors and community members to the celebration.
The state’s Fourth of July celebrations reflect the nature of both Wyoming and the West. They show a love of fireworks, a celebration of deeply rooted Western tradition, and a fostering of community spirit.
Post contributed by AHC Processing Archivist Brittany Heye.