Wyoming’s Frist Newspapers – Only One Is Still Around

It is an understatement to say that we don't get our news the way we used to. The days of the printing press have faded and given way to the device that most of us carry in our hand. For some reason, we still call it a cell phone. But it is more like a handheld mobile device or computer.

Let's look back at the first newspapers in Wyoming. You probably will not recognize any of these publications.

Wyoming's first printed newspaper was The Daily Telegraph. Established in 1863 at Fort Bridger by a telegraph operator named Hiram Brundage. His publication was a daily digest of Civil War news, which he got over the telegraph wires. He published the news and sold it to stop soldiers from constantly interrupting his work. (Wyoming Almanac).

The first permanent papers and actual "newspapers" emerged as new towns and railroads were built across the territory. Here are the first few publications that appeared. (RoostWeb).

The Daily Telegraph (1863): Printed on a small press brought out by the army, it is historically recognized as the first newspaper printed in the region. It featured daily news received over the telegraph wires.

The Cheyenne Leader (1867): Widely considered the state's first successful, permanent newspaper. Founded by Nathan A. Baker and J.E. Gates on September 19, 1867, it quickly transitioned from a weekly publication to a daily.

The Frontier Index (1868): Famous for being a "press on wheels". Edited by Legh Freeman, this roaming newspaper followed the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad, printing editions from temporary end-of-track tent towns like Fort Sanders, Benton, and Bear River City.

The Laramie Daily Boomerang (1881): Founded by famous humorist Edgar "Bill" Nye, this iconic newspaper got its name from the editor's stubborn pet mule.

Scroll down to read some of the articles from Chugwater's first and only newspaper.