Natrona County: The Place We Call Home

By Jennifer Beckstead, Teen Librarian

January 5 , 2012

It’s that time of the year . . . I find myself contemplating which resolutions to make and which to discard.  One resolution I think I’ll keep is to read more.

Reading is a great resolution for everyone.  It is both entertaining and informative.  It can expand the intellectual palate, exposing us to new thoughts and ideas.  It can also be a great way to learn about the world around us, right down to our own hometown!

I am a proud Wyoming native, but have lived in Casper for less than a decade. Though I know the streets and local businesses, I still have many questions about this place I call home.

For instance: who was Casper named for and why are there two spellings (Casper vs. Fort Caspar)? What does CY, as in CY Avenue, stand for? Where did the name Natrona come from? When was oil first discovered in this area? Why do we call it Independence Rock?  How did the Goose Egg Ranch get its name?

If you have similar questions, or are just interested in local history, there is a new book coming out in February you won’t want to miss! 

In late 2010, I was invited to join a committee of energetic Natrona County historians, teachers, and librarians.  The task: to create a book for children and teachers about Natrona County’s history. 

You see, Wyoming state curriculum calls for students to learn about their local history in the third grade. But until now, Natrona County elementary teachers had few resources to help them teach the subject. 

Throughout 2011, your library staff met with representatives from the Casper College Western History Center, the Fort Caspar Museum, the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, the Natrona County Historical Society and the Natrona County School District to create a new textbook on Natrona County history, written for students and teachers. Nettie Francis joined the team as writer, and many other members of our community provided their support, knowledge, and direction throughout the editing process.

The result: A full-color local history primer complete with maps, illustrations, current and historic photographs, and a timeline of Natrona County eras and events.

“Natrona County: the Place We Call Home” went to press in late 2011 and will be available to purchase at the library in early February. The book is being published by the Natrona County Public Library Foundation. 

In addition to the students and teachers who will use it in NCSD#1 classrooms, we think that people of all ages will enjoy reading this introduction to Natrona County history. 

I’m looking forward to bringing my shiny, new copy home and sharing it with my husband and young son for years to come! To get your own copy, stop by the library in early February, or call 577-READ for more information.

“Natrona County: The Place We Call Home” will also be available at local museums and bookstores. Proceeds go to the Natrona County Public Library Foundation to enhance your library’s programs and services.

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