Small-town setting: Clearmont atmosphere
Nestled in the heart of Sheridan County, Wyoming, the small town of Clearmont (population approximately 116) [1] offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With a rich past and a vibrant present, Clearmont is a must-visit destination for those seeking a taste of authentic Western hospitality.
Origins and Growth
While the exact details of Clearmont's founding are not extensively documented, it's believed that the town's growth was influenced by the region's ranching and agricultural activities, much like many other small towns in Wyoming. The arrival of the Chicago Burlington and Quincy railroad in 1892 [10] marked a significant turning point, transforming Clearmont into a major shipping point for cattle [11] and later a terminal point in 1914.
Notable Landmarks
One of the town's most iconic landmarks is the historic Ranch House bar [3], where visitors can immerse themselves in the authentic Western atmosphere, enjoying cocktails and ranch-style dining. Another point of interest is the Clearmont Town Jail, built in 1922 and listed on the National Registry of Historic Places [5].
Cultural Highlights
Clearmont's cultural scene is enriched by contemporary Indigenous art exhibitions, such as Celebrating Complexities: Clearmont - WY [4], which showcase diverse artistic expressions connected to the region's Indigenous histories and contemporary narratives.
Modern-Day Clearmont
Today, Clearmont is a thriving farm and ranch community [12], complete with modern amenities such as city water, sewer, and garbage services, a library, and a park. The town also boasts a K-12 school with approximately 100 students.
Historical Nuggets
The town's early years saw the construction of the first mercantile store by Jake and Cora Lang [6], the establishment of the post office in 1892 [7], and the operation of a grocery store in the Sweat Building [8]. J.N. Sweat even built one of the finest hotels/saloons in the valley in 1904 [9].
Moreover, Clearmont was home to a German POW camp during the 1940s [2], and John Loafman later built a pool hall in town [1]. The Black and Yellow Highway, US 14-16, was a major tourist route between The Black Hills and Yellowstone during the 1940s through the early 1970s [3], passing through Clearmont.
A Veterans Memorial [6] and three concrete grain elevators [9], once owned by the Best West Flour Company, are other historical highlights in Clearmont. The town's train depot, which offered passenger train service for many years, also played a crucial role in the town's development [11].
For those seeking a slower pace and a step back in time, the older 'Black and Yellow Road' through Clearmont offers a refreshing change of pace [13]. With its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Clearmont, Wyoming, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
[1] https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/clearmonttownwyoming/PST045216 [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clearmont,_Wyoming [3] https://www.wyomingtalesandtrails.com/ranchhouse.html [4] https://www.artsandculture.google.com/project/celebrating-complexities-clearmont-wy [5] https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/d07b5989-692b-4d43-8d3c-340f6448c788 [6] https://www.wyomingtalesandtrails.com/lang.html [7] https://www.wyomingtalesandtrails.com/postoffice.html [8] https://www.wyomingtalesandtrails.com/sweat.html [9] https://www.wyomingtalesandtrails.com/grain.html [10] https://www.wyomingtalesandtrails.com/railroad.html [11] https://www.wyomingtalesandtrails.com/clearmont.html [12] https://www.wyomingtalesandtrails.com/clearmont.html [13] https://www.wyomingtalesandtrails.com/blackand.html
Inspired by the historical charm of Clearmont, many residents have cultivated a lifestyle that seamlessly blends the heritage of ranching and farming with modern home-and-garden aesthetics, creating unique residences that tell stories of the town's past. The annual home and garden tour, showcasing these unique renovations and original architecture, is an exciting addition to the town's cultural highlights.
