The town's real asset, however, was not discovered until 1889, when the first well in the Salt Creek oil field was tapped; by 1915 the town was in an oil boom that matched the frenzy of the California, Colorado and Montana gold rushes.
The boom brought not only prosperity but also a national scandal over the nearby Teapot Dome oil field. In 1927 the U.S. Supreme Court handed down verdicts in the case, which included sentencing Secretary of the Interior Albert Fall to prison for secretly leasing the rich field to Mammoth Crude Oil Co. without taking competitive bids.
Casper is a major service and supply center for mineral, oil, natural gas, uranium and coal industries, as well as a center for many medical and financial services.
Stargazers can view astronomy-related programs throughout the year at Casper Planetarium, a half-mile north of I-25 exit 188B at 904 N. Poplar, phone (307) 577-0310. Along SRs 20/26 and 220, markers identify the California, Mormon, Oregon and Pony Express trails.
Visitor Centers
Casper Area Convention and Visitors Bureau 139 W. Second St. Suite 1B Casper, WY 82601. Phone:(307)234-5362 or (800)852-1889
Things to Do
307 River SportsFort Caspar Museum and Historic Site