Reflections from the Grand Encampment Herald

Reprint of this story from the December 25, 1901 issue of the Saratoga Record brought to you courtesy of Grandma’s Cabin, Encampment, Wyoming. Preserving History - Serving the Community.

Riverside, Carbon County, Wyoming

A few facts concerning the history of the prosperous little town may be of interest to the readers of The Record. The writer will not attempt to dwell upon the scenic beauty of the locality or upon the favorable climatic conditions. Its’ close proximity to the town of Saratoga should be sufficient guarantee that the location is all that can be desired.

This town is situated on the west side of Encampment river, about one mile north of the town of Encampment and about one quarter mile from the Boston-Wyoming Smelter. It lies in the center of a ranch and mining country. East, west and north the valley is dotted with prosperous ranches. On the south roads and trails run off in many directions to the various mines.

It is on the main thoroughfare to North Park and all the principal mines in the district. A steady stream of traffic daily passes through this town. Supplies for Encampment, mine and smelter supplies, and machinery all pass through this town.

It is twenty miles from Saratoga, 26 miles from New Rambler, 35 miles from Pearl, 10 miles from Downington, 14 miles from Battle and 20 miles from Osceola.

It has a population of over 200 law abiding and progressive citizens, who always give a hearty welcome to desirable acquisitions to the rapidly growing population.

Excellent water can be found here at a depth of from four to thirty-five feet. Stages arrive from and leave daily for all principal points.

This town was laid out as Doggett four years ago and later changed to Riverside. The first addition was made in 1900 and the second addition in 1901. Real estate has doubled in value in the last year. It is a most desirable location for the miner, prospector, ranch man, business man, professional man, sportsman or health seeker. The town park which is laid out on the tree bordered banks of the Encampment River promises to become a modern Eden.

The town has two hotels and a restaurant, all of which furnish first class accommodations. Three saloons furnish the beverage that maketh the heart glad and two grocery and general stores furnish the necessaries of life at reasonable prices. The ring of the blacksmith’s hammer and sound of the carpenter’s hammer may be heard at all hours of the day.

Buildings in course of erection and other near completion may be seen in every direction.

Much more could be said of this progressive burg but for the writer’s fears to press upon the valuable space of The Record, so will close by giving a list of the business houses.

Riverside House: W. M. Brown is the landlord of this popular hotel and has established quite a reputation for giving a square meal.

Ranch House: This place has an enviable reputation all over the state and Judge Peryam, the proprietor, is known to all the mining men and traveling public.

Culleton Restaurant: The is a popular place where you can get a good meal at any hour and is well patronized.

Riverside Resort: This place is conducted by Chan Forney and George Morrison, who are as pleasant gentlemen as you will meet. By courteous treatment and handling nothing but first-class goods they have built up a lucrative business.

Bouquet: Evans & Dunbar, proprietors, is another resort that enjoys the confidence and esteem of the public. The proprietors are known throughout the country and their kind treatment of their patrons has made them very popular.

Saloon and Restaurant: This is a new enterprise, with John Curtis as proprietor. He is well known as an old stage man and the proprietor of the Waterloo at Saratoga. He will conduct a first-class resort and restaurant.

Samuel Morgan is known to everyone. He carries a general stock of merchandise and by his upright, square dealing and the handling of goods of unquestionable merit, he has built up a large trade, not only in town, but among the ranchmen of the valley.

Miss E. Pepples carries a nice stock of furnishing goods, dry goods, notions, etc., and is doing a nice business.

John Lemon is the only blacksmith in the town and does a thriving business.

Cross & Smith conduct a livery, feed, and sale stable and are doing a large business and are ready to supply the public with good rigs and stock at all times.

J. A. Buckmaster is the tonsorial artist of the town and has his parlors in the rear of the Evans & Dunbar resort.

G. L. Forney is the general agent of the town site company and is a live, square dealing, hustling, businessman, who is ready at any time to give full and reliable information about Riverside of the surrounding country.