DATES OPEN: Visitor center and exhibit buildings open May 15—September 30; grounds open year round, weather permitting.
HOURS: 9 AM to 6 PM daily; grounds open during daylight hours.
FACILITIES:Visitor center, restrooms, picnic grounds, telephone, museum, and gift shop. Camping is not allowed at South Pass City, but nearby camping and accommodations can be found in Lander.
ADMISSION: Resident day use fee $1.00, non-resident day use fee $2.00. Guided bus tours are available for $2.00 per person. There is no fee charged for persons 17 years of age & younger at Historic Sites.
HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE:Yes
LOCATION: 125 South Pass Main, South Pass, WY 82520. From Lander, head south on Hwy 287 for approximately 8.5 miles and continue on Hwy 28 for another 23 miles. Turn left onto Winter Road (which becomes Pickaxe Road) and continue for approximately four miles.
South Pass City
A classic boom and bust town located in Wyoming’s old Sweetwater Mining District, South Pass City is home to 23 original structures built during the late 1800s, most of which have been faithfully restored. Visitors can enjoy a tour of Wyoming’s famous ghost town while learning about gold mining techniques and the history of the city. The Carissa Mine, South Pass City’s principal mine, produced more than $15,000 dollars worth of gold by 1868 when only hand processing was available. With the development of stamp mills in the area, the South Pass City region produced millions of dollars worth of gold before diminishing returns caused residents to seek their fortunes elsewhere. Interestingly, South Pass City is also known as the “birthplace of women’s suffrage” since South Pass City resident William Bright introduced a women’s suffrage bill in the Wyoming legislature, which passed in 1869. Shortly thereafter, Esther Hobart Morris became the town’s Justice of the Peace—and the first woman to hold a political office in the United States. South Pass City has something for everyone. Several hiking trails lead visitors past the remains of mining activities and allow for the enjoyment of the area’s natural beauty. Bring a picnic lunch and plan on playing a game of billiards on an 1860s-era table or stop by during the annual Gold Rush Days in July to catch a game of vintage baseball, watch gold mining activities, or try a little gold-panning yourself.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
ON THE WEB:
http://wyoparks.state.wy.us/Sites/SouthPassCity/
http://www.southpasscity.com/
http://www.wyomingtalesandtrails.com/photos9.html
AT THE LIBRARY:
A Quick History of South Pass City, Atlantic City: Wyoming Ghost Towns, by Joyce Spita (Little London Press, 1980).
South Pass and Its Tales, by James L. Sherlock (Vantage Press, 1978—reprinted in 1989 by Wolverine Gallery).
Protect Our Heritage!
Visitors are encouraged to take part in the many activities available at South Pass City and tour the structures when volunteer staff is on duty. To preserve South Pass City’s unique heritage, do not pick up or remove artifacts found on the site or deface property.
To report vandalism, call:
South Pass City Office
307-332-3684