Rediscover the Winds

In this episode, we explore the history of dude ranches. We look at the development of the West as a tourist destination. Further, we investigate how economic conditions, societal changes, literature, art and pop culture shaped perceptions of the West. We explore the Golden Age of Dude Ranches in the 1920s and tell the story of various Dude Ranches that were founded near Dubois. Finally, we look at how this industry has adapted over time and how it continues to be a key part of Fremont County.

In this episode, we explore the story of Sinks Canyon from pre-history through modern tourism developments. We look at how various Native American Tribes used the canyon for hunting and gathering. Further, we investigate how homesteaders used the canyon as a grazing area for their cattle and sheep. We explore the waves of tourism that Sinks Canyon experienced as well as developments to the canyon that were designed to attract and cater to tourists.

In this episode, we explore the story of Boysen Dam, Reservoir and State Park. We look at how the scenic Wind River Canyon, nestled between the towns of Shoshoni and Thermopolis, is a popular spot for tourists on their way to the National Parks. We explore the story of Asmus Boysen, who built the original dam in the canyon. We investigate the challenges Boysen faced including conflicts with reservation authorities, local people, the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, and the state of Wyoming. We also explore the story of the construction of the modern dam and how visitors and locals alike have been attracted to Boysen Reservoir and State Park due to its wide variety of recreational activities.

In this episode, we look at the early hotels and dude ranches as well as the more modern motels and campgrounds. We investigate how the allure of the Old West drove people then and now to Dubois. We explore how interest in Yellowstone National Park, and later Grand Teton National Park, greatly contributed to tourism and a growth of lodging in the area. Further, we look at how hotels also became social hubs for the community with their dance floors, meeting spaces, and restaurants.

In this episode, we explore the story of historic lodging and the establishment of the Lander Valley and Fremont County. We trace the history of lodging in Wyoming from early stagecoach stops and roadhouses to hotels. We look at the early hotels in Lander and investigate the impact the South Pass Gold Rush had on the development of Fremont County. Further, we explore how interest in Yellowstone National Park was a significant driver of Lander's hotel and lodging boom.

In this episode, we explore the story of hotels in Riverton. We look at the early hotels of the 1900s and investigate the influx of people to the area. We explore factors that led to this population increase including settlement, job opportunities, and the railroad. Additionally, we look at the growth of tourism to the area, including interest in Yellowstone National Park which greatly contributed to the growth of hotels, and later motels, in Riverton.

In this episode, we explore the story of the Great Depression in Fremont County. We look at how New Deal programs and projects combatted the financial crisis and how towns and roads were improved during this era. Finally, we investigate the impact of those projects on tourism in Fremont County.

In this episode, we explore the history of automobiles and how they were essential to the development of tourism in Fremont County. We look at the history of road improvements and the inception of highways. Further, we investigate how interest in Yellowstone National Park was vital to developments in travel and tourism.

In this episode, we track the history of the railroad in Fremont County. We investigate the inception of the railroad to its eventual decline. We look at how the opening of reservation lands triggered the creation of the line from Casper to Lander. We also investigate the connection between the railroad and townsites. Finally, we explore the importance of the railroad to industries in the area.

Did you know the first airplane flight in the state of Wyoming occurred in Riverton? In this episode, we tell the story of aviation in Riverton. We look at the early aviators of the 1910s. We explore the Golden Age of Aviation in the 1920s-1930s and look at how individuals used planes for recreation and entertainment. We investigate the impact of World War II on aircraft production and delve into the history of Riverton airport, now known as Central Wyoming Regional Airport.

In this episode, we focus on the story of irrigation in Fremont County. We explore how people turned a desert into farmland. We look at the tensions over water rights, how the U.S. government worked to break up tribal lands, and political legislation such as the Dawes, Carey, and Reclamation Acts that all had direct impacts on irrigation. We also tell the story of the birth and subsequent troubles of the Wyoming Central Irrigation Company. Finally, we look at how early Riverton settlers came together to irrigate their farms and lands after private companies failed them.

In this episode, we focus on the history of the town of Hudson. We discuss the early homesteaders, the railroad, and the all important coal mines. We explore how the coal mining industry created a thriving town and community. We look at the kinds of businesses Hudson had as well as how the mines drew people from all over, creating mining camps that were melting pots of nationalities.

In this episode, we focus on the history of railroad ties in Fremont County. We explore the story of the birth of the Wyoming Tie and Timber Company. We look at how technology and ingenuity were key to creating successful tie drives down the Wind River. We also discuss the lives of tie hacks who lived out winters in the isolation of the Shoshone National Forest. Additionally, we look at how the tie industry changed over time and how Scandinavian immigrants were vital to the success of this industry in Fremont County.

In this episode, we delve into the complex and controversial opening of Wind River Reservation tribal lands to white settlers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. We examine the historical context behind federal land policies, the negotiations and pressures faced by the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes, and the profound consequences of land allotment and sale. We also explore how this period reshaped the landscape, sovereignty, and future of the Wind River peoples—offering a critical look at a pivotal chapter in American and Native history. 

This episode of the Rediscover the Winds podcast looks at the sheep and cattle wars in Wyoming: a series of conflicts between sheepherders and cattlemen over territorial disputes in the state.

Episode Seven of the Rediscover the Winds Podcast uncovers tales, legends, rumors, and stories of one of the most popular Wild West figures: Butch Cassidy. We analyze the history of Cassidy during his time in Fremont County, what is fact, what is fiction, and what we don't know.     

Episode six of the Rediscover the Winds Podcast looks at the history of Esther Hobart Morris, the women's suffrage movement in Wyoming, the attempted repeal of the suffrage act, and some of the political drama and turmoil in the Wyoming territory following the Civil War. We are also joined this episode by Sophie Barksdale who co-produced the documentary State of Equality which focused on Wyoming women's suffrage.

Episode five of the Rediscover the Winds Podcast focuses on the history of the South Pass City gold rush, the formation of the town, and the intrigue of the South Pass area during the middle of the 1800s.

Episode four of the Rediscover the Winds podcast can be treated as a "part two" on Chief Washakie and how he navigated the troubles of creating the Wind River Reservation.

The third episode of season one follows the early life of Chief Washakie, arguably Wyoming's most influential historical figure. We follow the decisions of Washakie and some of his early friendships he had with other key western figures like Jim Bridger.

The second episode of season one, tracking the general history of the Fremont County area, this episode covers the fur trade, the mountain men, and the rendezvous.

The first episode of the Rediscover the Winds podcast, this episode will explore the early history of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes, the two tribes currently located on the Wind River Reservation in Fremont County Wyoming.