F.E. Warren Info - Military Relocation Made Easy
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Cheyenne History
Cheyenne History
In July of 1867, the first tents were pitched on the site now known as Cheyenne. It’s residents, the men who moved west to work on the Union Pacific Railroad, were soon joined by more railroad workers, soldiers from Ft. D. A. Russell (now F. E. Warren Air Force Base), and employees from Camp Carlin, a supply camp for all the northern posts on the Indian frontier. Cheyenne was named after the “Shyenne” Indian tribe, a group of nomadic Plains wanderers who had roamed the area for centuries. 
Cheyenne’s beginning was typical of the “Wild West.” Home to five “variety” theatres complete with regular shows of burlesque, an abundance of saloons, and plenty of female performers, Cheyenne was a rowdy frontier town—but, not for long! The railroad that initiated Cheyenne’s beginning provided direct access to and from the East enabling its residents to receive the latest styles in furniture, the most recently published magazines and newspapers, and the most fashionable apparel from eastern salons. The cultural ideals of the East were virtually transplanted. By 1875 the population had grown to almost five thousand. Residents enjoyed a social life and cultural reputation very unique for the West. The cattle industry became an influential factor in Cheyenne’s development in the 1880’s when purebred Hereford cattle were bred and raised at the famous Wyoming Hereford Ranch located just east of town. Many wealthy men with impeccable social amenities and knowledge of the cattle industry were attracted to the area from the East and from Europe. These highly educated men, known as the “cattle barons” were graduates of the most outstanding universities in England and America. Many spent their summers in Cheyenne and their winters in Europe. During this time the world famous “Cheyenne Club” was established. The Cheyenne Club’s membership included the “cattle barons” in addition to other men of note. Situated on the corner of 17th St. and Warren Ave., the club was lavishly furnished like clubs of similar stature in England. The wide veranda, large dining room, billiards room, card rooms, reading room, and main floor lounge were frequented only by men. The Club no longer stands, however, a plaque identifying the site is prominently seen on the office building now sitting on this famous landmark.
My office, The CENTURY 21 Bell office building, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has its own prominent place in Cheyenne’s history. Built in 1886 by Mr. & Mrs. Henry Conway, the building was originally located six blocks south of its present site. The Conway’s, one of Cheyenne’s most popular and highly respected pioneer couples, moved the building in 1889 to the Rainsford District where it has sat ever since on the corner of 21st Street and Warren Avenue.
