According to Allcountrylist, Lander, Wyoming is a small city located in the foothills of the Wind River Range in central Wyoming. The city is situated at an elevation of 5,093 feet and covers an area of 4.1 square miles. Lander is surrounded by the Shoshone National Forest to the north and east and by Bureau of Land Management land to the south and west.
The city’s geography is characterized by rolling hills, open meadows and steep canyons that are home to wild horses, deer, elk, antelope, bighorn sheep, cougars and other wildlife. The Wind River Range offers hikers spectacular views of snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes while providing a variety of outdoor activities such as backpacking, camping, fishing, horseback riding and rock climbing.
The city itself is located on both sides of the Popo Agie river which flows through downtown Lander before emptying into the Big Sandy reservoir to the south. The Big Sandy reservoir offers a variety of recreational activities such as boating, swimming and fishing while also providing drinking water for local residents.
Lander has a semi-arid climate with warm summers and cold winters that bring frequent snowfall to the area. Average temperatures range from a high of 84 degrees Fahrenheit in July to a low of 7 degrees Fahrenheit in January with average annual precipitation totaling 16 inches per year.
Overall, Lander’s unique geography provides residents with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation while still offering easy access to urban amenities like shops and restaurants when needed. This combination makes Lander an ideal place for those who want to experience both nature’s beauty as well as urban convenience on a daily basis.
History of Lander, Wyoming
According to allcitycodes.com, Lander, Wyoming was first established in the late 19th century as a trading post for fur trappers and gold miners. The city was named after General Frederick W. Lander, an engineer who had surveyed the area for a proposed railroad in the 1850s.
In the early 1900s, Lander began to develop into a small town as more people moved to the area due to its proximity to Fort Washakie and Shoshone National Forest. The city was incorporated in 1906 and by 1910 had a population of 1,089 people.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Lander experienced rapid growth due to its location at the intersection of two major highways – US Routes 287 and 789 – which provided easy access to other towns in Wyoming as well as nearby states such as Colorado and Montana. This growth continued throughout World War II when several military installations were built around Lander to support training efforts.
The 1950s saw further development of infrastructure in Lander with new roads being built throughout the city and several businesses being established downtown. This period also saw increased tourism due to its proximity to Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and other natural attractions in Wyoming.
Today, Lander is home to a population of 7,500 people who are served by numerous local businesses as well as government offices such as City Hall and County Courthouse. The city is also home to Central Wyoming College which offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs for students from across the state. Overall, Lander has grown from its humble beginnings into an important center for commerce, education, and culture in central Wyoming.
Economy of Lander, Wyoming
Lander, Wyoming is home to a diverse economy that has grown and evolved over the years. The city’s economy is driven by sectors such as healthcare, education, government services, retail, hospitality, and manufacturing.
The healthcare sector is a major contributor to the city’s economy with two hospitals (SageWest Health Care and Lander Regional Hospital) providing jobs for many local residents. The educational sector also plays an important role in the local economy with Central Wyoming College offering both undergraduate and graduate degree programs for students from across the state.
The government services sector provides employment opportunities to many people in Lander due to its proximity to Fort Washakie, Shoshone National Forest, and other government facilities in Wyoming. Additionally, several retail businesses are located downtown offering items ranging from clothing and jewelry to books and electronics.
The hospitality industry is also a major part of Lander’s economy with numerous hotels and restaurants located throughout the city. This industry continues to grow as more tourists come to explore nearby attractions such as Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and other natural wonders in Wyoming.
Finally, manufacturing has been an important part of Lander’s economy since the early 1900s when it was home to several brick factories that supplied brick for buildings throughout the region. Today, there are several manufacturing businesses located in Lander that produce products such as furniture, outdoor equipment, machined parts, food products, and more.
Overall, Lander’s diverse economy provides employment opportunities for many local residents while also helping support nearby communities through tourism dollars generated by visitors exploring its natural beauty.
Politics in Lander, Wyoming
Lander, Wyoming is located in Fremont County and is part of the 23rd legislative district. The city is represented in the Wyoming House of Representatives by Representatives Jim Allen and Tori Kricken. In the state Senate, Lander is represented by Senator Eli Bebout.
The local government in Lander consists of a mayor and five city council members elected to four-year terms. The mayor serves as the chief executive officer for the city and oversees day-to-day operations. The city council serves as a legislative body responsible for making decisions on matters such as budgeting, land use, and public safety.
At the federal level, Lander is part of Wyoming’s at-large congressional district which is currently represented by Republican Liz Cheney in the U.S. House of Representatives. In terms of politics, Lander leans conservative with a majority of its residents identifying as Republican or Libertarian.
In recent years, there has been an increased emphasis on protecting public lands throughout Wyoming including those located near Lander such as Shoshone National Forest and Yellowstone National Park. This has led to a number of initiatives being implemented at both the state and federal levels to ensure these areas remain protected while also allowing for responsible recreational use and economic development opportunities where appropriate.
Overall, politics in Lander tend to lean conservative while also promoting policies that protect public lands throughout Wyoming while allowing for responsible economic development opportunities where appropriate.
