Rawlins, Wyoming

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Rawlins, Wyoming is a city in Carbon County, Wyoming, United States. It serves as the county seat of Carbon County. The city is located in the south-central part of the state, along the Interstate 80 corridor. As of the 2020 census, the population of Rawlins was approximately 8,221.

History[edit | edit source]

Rawlins was founded in 1867 as a result of the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad. The city was named after Union General John Aaron Rawlins, who was a key figure in the American Civil War and a close associate of President Ulysses S. Grant.

Geography[edit | edit source]

Rawlins is situated at an elevation of 6,834 feet (2,083 meters) above sea level. The city covers a total area of 8.28 square miles (21.45 km²), all of which is land. The climate in Rawlins is classified as semi-arid, with cold winters and warm summers.

Economy[edit | edit source]

The economy of Rawlins is primarily based on energy production, including oil, natural gas, and wind power. The city is also a hub for transportation and logistics due to its strategic location along Interstate 80.

Education[edit | edit source]

Rawlins is served by the Carbon County School District Number 1, which includes Rawlins High School, Rawlins Middle School, and several elementary schools. The city also has a branch of the Western Wyoming Community College.

Attractions[edit | edit source]

Rawlins is home to several historical and cultural attractions, including the Wyoming Frontier Prison, which operated from 1901 to 1981 and is now a museum. The city also features the Carbon County Museum, which showcases the history and heritage of the region.

Transportation[edit | edit source]

Rawlins is accessible via Interstate 80, which runs east-west through the city. The city is also served by the Rawlins Municipal Airport, providing general aviation services.