Category Archives: environmental history

James Watt: From Wyoming’s Landscapes to Political Stances, Faith as a Driving Force

James “Jim” Watt, the former Interior Secretary, passed away on May 27, 2023, at the age of 85. While his tenure as Interior Secretary during the Reagan administration defined him, his career spanned various roles and contributions. Born and raised … Continue reading

Posted in American history, conservation, Economic Geology, energy resources, environmental history, Natural resources, oral histories, Political controversy, Political history, Uncategorized, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The “Messiah” of the Desert?: Floyd E. Dominy and Water Conservation in the West

Concern over the future of water in the West is growing. Record breaking droughts and rapidly growing cities where water is already scarce has strained the current water infrastructure to its limits. The current path appears unsustainable, so in the … Continue reading

Posted in conservation, environmental history, Hydroelectric power, Uncategorized, water resources, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Wyoming’s Nuclear Response to Project Plowshare

Vice President Richard Nixon delivered these words in October 1960 to a Toledo, Ohio, fraternity group: “Our plan to develop peaceful constructive uses of nuclear explosives has been given the name of Project Plowshare, because it is literally an attempt … Continue reading

Posted in Cold War, energy resources, environmental history, Nuclear energy, Political history, Uncategorized, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

American oil exploration and memories of western Venezuela in the early 20th century

My interest in oil narratives stems my own personal experience as a native of one of the most representative oil towns in western Venezuela, Cabimas. I grew up in the shadow of towering oil derricks and gas flares, understanding that … Continue reading

Posted in energy resources, environmental history, Extractivism, International Collections, Petroleum history, Racism, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Grand Teton National Park and the Jackson Hole National Monument Controversy

Grand Teton National Park – one of the most beautiful spots in Wyoming – turns 93 on February 26. It was originally a Native American hunting ground. British and American fur traders were drawn to the area for its exceptionally … Continue reading

Posted in environmental history, National Parks, Political history, Uncategorized, Western history, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Mardy and Olaus Murie, Conservation Enthusiasts

Margaret (Mardy) and Olaus Murie were fiercely dedicated to protecting America’s most beautiful places and wildlife. The couple enriched the concept of conservation, all while experiencing the outdoors and enjoying the wildlife and beautiful scenery around them. The story of … Continue reading

Posted in conservation, environmental history, National Parks, Natural resources, Uncategorized, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Finis Mitchell (and Matthew Troyanek) Trailing through the Wind Rivers

In my preparations to become a backpacker seeking adventures in Wyoming’s Wind River Mountains, my research led me to take the footsteps of a man from the golden age of American mountaineering, whose chronicles and photographs bade me to these … Continue reading

Posted in environmental history, Mountaineering, outdoor recreation, Photographic collections, Wyoming history | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Navigating Botany Led by W.G. Solheim I

Wilhelm G. Solheim was born in Stoughton, Wisconsin, in 1898. He earned his M.A. degree in 1926, followed by his Doctorate in 1928, from the University of Illinois. He came to UW that next year and worked as professor emeritus … Continue reading

Posted in Agricultural history, Agriculture, environmental history, faculty/staff profiles, Interns' projects, Local history, University of Wyoming, University of Wyoming history, Wyoming, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

New Finding Aids: July 2019

The faculty have been processing collections left and right, so here’s another round of new finding aids we’ve published. As a reminder, Finding Aids act as a table of contents for our collections. These aids help you find information about … Continue reading

Posted in Archival Film, Digital collections, energy resources, environmental history, Finding Aids, Heart Mountain, newly digitized collections, newly processed collections, University of Wyoming, University of Wyoming history, Wyoming, Wyoming history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

New Finding Aids: June 2019

We’ll we’ve been really busy this summer processing collections — so much so we’re publishing another round this quickly! As a reminder, Finding Aids act as a table of contents for our collections. These aids help you find information about … Continue reading

Posted in Agricultural history, Agriculture, Digital collections, environmental history, Finding Aids, Local history, newly digitized collections, newly processed collections, Politics, Suffrage -- United States, University of Wyoming, University of Wyoming history, Women -- suffrage, women's history | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment