South Pass City was founded in 1867 on the heels of the only significant gold discoveries in Wyoming. During its heyday, South Pass City was home to some 1,500 men, women, and children. Despite their many different cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds, they shared a common commitment to fulfill their dreams through hard work and dedication. Many succeeded and many failed, but hope always remained.

During its rich and colorful past, South Pass City has seen the development of the mineral industry, ranching, homesteading, and the decline of Emigrant Trail travel. South Pass City has seen the likes of Butch Cassidy, Calamity Jane, Robert Todd Lincoln and General Phil Sheridan walk its streets.

Perhaps its most important and lasting legacy has been as the home of women's suffrage. Territorial Representative William Bright of South Pass City, introduced the suffrage bill that allowed women the right to vote and established Wyoming as the "Equality State". Esther Hobart Morris was appointed to be South Pass City's justice of the peace, and in so doing, became the first woman in the United States to hold a political office.

One hundred years after its founding, South Pass City was given as a gift to the people of Wyoming to share with visitors from throughout the nation and world by the 75th Anniversary Commission. This special gift was to be held in trust and restored to preserve its historical significance. The same commitment and dedication that the original founders showed has helped make the Historic Site at South Pass City one of the most authentic and complete historic sites in the country.

Mission
To preserve and interpret the Historic Site at South Pass City for the enjoyment and education of its visitors.

Purpose
To receive, administer and disburse funds for educational and historic purposes.

Endowment Fund
The South Pass City Historic Site Endowment Fund has been created by the Friends of South Pass to help preserve, protect, and enhance the Historic Site at South Pass City. Gifts to this fund are tax deductible. The Friends of South Pass consistently search for grants and other means to fund the endowment, but the truly meaningful support comes from individual donors, who know, and have a love for, their nation's cultural heritage.

The primary goal of the Friends is to provide families with more comprehensive educational and recreational opportunities.

South Pass City also hosts the annual Gold Rush Days celebration in mid July. This event celebrates the life and heritage of the Sweetwater Mining district by interpreting many of the activities that have taken place throughout the area historically.

Competition
South Pass City's Goldbricks take on area teams in a vintage baseball tournament which features turn-of-the-century period equipment, uniforms and rules. Wyoming State Mining Championships.

Recreation
Live music from the Carissa Saloon, billiards, croquet, shooting gallery and cowboy poetry are just a few of the events that keep visitors entertained during the three day celebration.

Interpretation
Gold panning, stamp mill demonstrations, printing press demonstrations, and wood stove baking show visitors techniques of a bygone era.

The Historic Site at South Pass City offers many unique volunteer opportunities. During the summer season, the blacksmith shop, Miner's Exchange saloon, stamp mill site, interpretive kitchen, and gold panning area all give volunteers a meaningful volunteer experience and the chance to interact with visitors from all over the world. May and September offer an opportunity to share the history of the town and it's residents with school children from across the state by giving guided tours of South Pass City. There are also a variety of ways to contribute behind the scenes by helping with restoration, preservation and collections management efforts.

Flexible hours, the possibility of housing or a camp space are just a few of the benefits of spending time in one of the West's most rugged and beautiful areas.

Volunteers are also needed in a variety of areas during the off season. Housing may also be available during a time of year that offers its own unique outdoor opportunities.

To explore the rewarding possibilities contact: Joe Ellis, Superintendent at 332-3684.