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Green River, WY

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Green River, WY

Green River is a city in and the county seat of Sweetwater County, Wyoming, United States, in the southwestern part of the state. The population was 11,825 at the 2020 census. It is the 7th most populous city in Wyoming.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 14.02 square miles (36.31 km²), of which 13.73 square miles (35.56 km²) is land and 0.29 square miles (0.75 km²) is water.

The townsite of Green River, Dakota Territory was platted by the Union Pacific Railroad in 1867. Although the Territory of Wyoming was created on July 25, 1868, the Town of Green River was incorporated on August 21, 1868, under the laws of the previous Territory of Dakota since the laws of the Wyoming Territory had yet to be written. The Town of Green River was re-incorporated on June 10, 1891, under the laws of the State of Wyoming to remove any ambiguity.

The Union Pacific Railroad reached Green River on October 1, 1868, and was supposed to be the site of a division point for the railroad. Railroad officials were surprised to find that a town of 2000 residents and permanent adobe buildings had been established there, likely requiring costly negotiations for railroad land. They moved the division point 12 miles (19 km) west, creating the town of Bryan, on the Blacks Fork of the Green River. Just when Green River was on the verge of becoming a ghost town, Blacks Fork dried up during a drought and the railroad was forced to move the division point back to Green River to ensure adequate water for its steam locomotives. Bryan became the ghost town.

On May 24, 1869, John Wesley Powell launched the Powell Geographic Expedition from Green River. On November 16, 1931, the Town of Green River passed the Green River Ordinance that prohibited door-to-door selling. Other towns across the country would adopt the ordinance.

The Green River Basin contains the world's largest known deposit of trona ore. Soda ash mining from trona veins 900 and 1,600 feet (490 m) deep is a major industrial activity in the area, employing over 2000 persons at five mines. The mining operation is less expensive for production of soda ash in the United States than the synthetic Solvay process, which predominates in the rest of the world. The trona in Sweetwater County was created by an ancient body of water known as Lake Gosiute. Over time, the lake shrank. With the loss of outflows, highly alkaline water (salt brine) began to evaporate, depositing the beds of trona.

Every year, on the last full weekend of June, Green River hosts Flaming Gorge Days. The festival features concerts, 3-on-3 basketball, Red Desert Road Runner 5K race, Festival in the Park, among other activities. Past musical performances at the festival have included Poison, Tesla, Everclear, Head East, Neal McCoy, REO Speedwagon, Josh Gracin, Chris LeDoux and Trick Pony.

Health and wellness are paramount in Green River, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Castle Rock Medical Center stands as a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Green River Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Fitness Classes Green River and Rock Island Gym. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Green River, such as the Island Park Trail and Wilkins Peak Trails. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Green River, WY are Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop, Sweetwater County Museum, and Expedition Island.

Population: 11,535 (2022). ZIP codes: 82935. Elevation: 6,115 ft (1,864 m). Area code: 307. Area: 14.11 sq mi (36.54 km²).

FAQs

What is Green River, WY famous for?

Incorporated in 1868 and nestled along the mighty Green River, the city of Green River is filled with historical sites and interesting facts. With roots in the railroading industry, the Green River was an essential destination for many travelers, Native Americans, and even explorers. Along with the Union Pacific Railroad, various routes and historic trails also pass through the city including the Cherokee Trail, the Overland Trail, and the historic transcontinental airmail route. 

What is the main industry in Green River, WY?

Today, Green River's population is approximately 13,000. The railroad is still a major presence. Mining, particularly of trona, is the major industry in the area. Even with the Interstate, the railroad, and other trappings of modern society, the City continues to sit at the crossroads of the west—a timeless, peaceful place.

What is the cost of living in Green River, WY?

The total cost of housing, food, child care, transportation, health care, taxes, and other necessities for a single adult in Green River is $37,060 a year — about the same as the annual cost of living for Wyoming of $37,015 yet less than the national figure of $38,433. Housing is one of the largest components of the cost of living. In Green River, the median home value is $212,400, greater than the national median home value of $204,900.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Green River

Castle Rock Medical Center 

Green River Parks and Recreation Department 

Fitness Classes Green River 

Rock Island Gym

Island Park Trail 

Wilkins Peak Trails

Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop

Sweetwater County Museum

Expedition Island

Explore WY

247 Wall St.

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