Old West Group

SHERMAN, an end-of-track town that refused to fail, falls within the US Marshal’s Laramie County, in the Wyoming Territory, and is the highest point attained by the Union Pacific Railway on its whole course from ocean to ocean. The town was named for Sherman Pass, which was named after Union General William Tecumseh Sherman, but nicknamed “Hell on Wheels.”


According to the Harper’s Weekly dated 16th of April, 1868…
About the same time in 1867, not far away, just 3 miles south of Sherman and just 25 miles north of Cheyenne, Jon Adams Claridge started a cow camp to supply the Union Pacific railroad crews and the local Sioux tribe,

A halt at Sherman station….
The inducements are mountain scenery, invigorating air, fishing, and hunting. A sojourn among the peaks of the Rock Mountains has the attraction of novelty to recommend it. Life there must be, in every sense of the word, a new sensation. But some sensations are undesirable notwithstanding their undoubted freshness. That splendid trout swarm in the streams near Sherman admits of no dispute. Yet one should not be tempted to indulge rashly in his harmless and charming sport. It is delightful to hook large fish; but is less agreeable to be pierced through by arrows.

At Sherman, the snow never falls very deep, but there is a constant breeze, that most Eastern people would pronounce a gale, and the snow is constantly drifting and packs so hard whenever it finds lodgment, that it is exceedingly difficult to displace, requiring an immense power of snowplows, engines and shovels to clear the tracks and roads.

Sherman has, as a part of the railroad yards, a windmill, the vanes of which had a diameter of 20 feet. It was used to pump water into a tank holding 50,000 gallons. Additionally, the yard had a roundhouse with five stalls and a turntable. The railroad shops were required, in great part, by the necessity of double-heading the locomotives up the steep grade from Laramie.

According to the Sherman Gazette, comments from Mark O’Donnell, a legal advocate who resides in Sherman…

Lawlessness prevailed in Sherman, and the first mayor, William O. “Bill” Owen, citing the town as ungovernable, resigned after only three weeks in office. He would recall,

Town government did eventually prevail, and the town persisted, unlike many other settlements along the track. As the railroad moved westward, Wyoming end-of-track towns, Hell on Wheels, developed where needed, and not always in sequence. Some railroad workers moved in advance of the track laying, while others arrived with the construction. Temporary residents and business owners often moved with the railroad; some Union Pacific railroad towns existed for only a matter of months then became ghost towns, others prospered and people chose to remain which formed permanent communities such as Sherman, Laramie, and Cheyenne.

However, despite the lawlessness, these towns, contributed to the construction of the engineering marvel which was the transcontinental railroad.

As you approach Sherman, you will see the balanced rocks, and to the right of the station, about one-quarter of a mile, is a rugged peak, near which are graves of some who are quietly sleeping so near heaven, and a solitary pine tree, like a sentinel keeping guard over them.


Not far away, a good leisure ride, some five to seven miles, is Lake Sherman… where soft winds caress the out-lying woods that surround this satisfaction achieved dwelling. As soon as the beautiful trees with fall colors start to dispel their leaves, it is as if a blanket is covering the forest for a nice nap.

Mirroring the gates of heaven, this is by far the closest thing on earth one will find near that sensation. After the passageway of inspirational colors, one finds the opening to euphoria. It instantly allows someone to see slow sloping depressions covered by blue-colored water, neighboring cunning mountainside reflections.
This clear mountain spring maintains the lake’s boundaries. Atop the earth created mountains, snow is visible and cascading down nearly half the total elevation. Trees tower from the lower half and ascend to meet the snow. The clouds are in a cumulus state throughout the seasons. The formations of the clouds seem to split and pass, like a thick fog. Often you can see a rainbow stretching across the sky as water turns to vapor by the suns solar rays. Overlooking the picture most dreams about, one will forget worries, troubles, and fears. The oasis of comfort is truly heaven sent. This almost perfect lake does pose a catch. The return to everyday life is waiting just down the hillside.

The scenery around Sherman is bleak and wild. Several famous peaks are perceptible in the far distance. Long's Peak, one of the principal mountains of Colorado, 100 miles to the Southwest, and Pike's Peak, 200 miles to the South are "both plainly visible." To the North, Elk Mountain is "another noted landmark," about 150 miles distant. It is possible that these mountain tops may have been discerned in a vision by the compilers of books, but to the eye of the ordinary and unimaginative traveler they are invisible.

The Sherman Mountains, a small range, stretch across an area that is littered with blocks of granite. Giant odd-shaped rocks dot the plains between the sharp ridges, some stacked on top of one another to form massive formations. Mount Sherman, the tallest mountain between Laramie and Cheyenne, summits at 8,841 feet, and just east of it lies Green Mountain, almost as tall. Together, these comprise the Twin Mountain.

From Cheyenne, past Sherman, thirty-three miles west, is Sherman Pass... up the first heavy grade upon the road, all around are bare mountain tops. The ashen herbage is brightened by blue lungwort and yellow Arkansas wall-flowers, in clusters as large as the palm of a hand, or the crown of a hat. Granite boulders of gray and brown, spotted with yellow moss, are scattered here and there. One near the summit is fifty feet high, and shelters the cattle of a ranchman, who has fenced in a little space beside it.

The first part, which was easy enough to follow, and generally flat and pleasant. Short aspen lined parts of the ridge, and beyond that lay grassland dotted with sagebrush, broken by patches of ponderosa pine. Uphill through tangled undergrowth and boulders in a deeper, denser, lodgepole pine forest, to which leads to a round clearing that is evidently heavily-used for grazing or camping. Further uphill from the clearing, the trees got thicker and in some places the going would slow in order to successfully navigate the labyrinth of downed logs and boulders. The summit of Mount Sherman was barren and allowed a refreshing break out of the thick forest and a good look around to get one’s bearings.

More than a day’s ride is Fort Lumas, the primary way-station on the westward journey, not only for the emigration of people, but the progression of the railway system. Nearly everyone of any importance frequented it.

Thousands emigrated, including women and children, all who passed by the fort and, in the years that followed, it became increasingly evident that the primary role of the fort had become supplying the westward expansion. Troops stationed at Fort Lumas, witnesses, and participants in all the great dramas of the westward migration and settlement.

Farther north was Fort Laramie... the Army's main establishment took on a central position in the government’s relationship both with the Plains Indian tribes as well as the westward bound emigrants. It was tapped to host a multi-tribe treaty conference aimed at negotiating rights of free passage through Indian lands for the emigrants in 1851; and, in 1868, it was the site of the great Sioux Treaty Council. Troops stationed at Fort Laramie, witness and participate in all the great dramas of the westward migration and settlement.

❖ -- Town Council of Sherman ::
❖ -- Train Station & Telegraph of Sherman :: It manages both freight, passengers and contains the telegraph service available inside, or outside through the main ticket service window. Owned and operated by the Town Council of Sherman.
❖ -- US Marshal's Office 'n Jail :: Laramie County Office: From hardened criminals to overnight drunks, the jail has held them all.
❖ -- National Bank of Sherman :: The town's financial institution and Assayer's Office. Accepting deposits and minerals from the public and offers credit... Of course, its Lending activities could be deemed a bit unscrupulous.
❖ -- Doctor's Office :: Bear attacks. Syphilis. Bullet wounds. Malaria. Scalpings. Cholera. Arrows wounds. Scurvy. Rabies. Ax mishaps. Crushings by moving wagon wheels. Outsize tumors. Snake bites. Gunshot wounds.... to name a few maladies he'd see.
❖ -- The Boarding House :: Established in 1871 by Kathryn Douglas, the Thistle House is conveniently located next to the Mullighan Stage Depot; not by accident but coordinated planning with Mr. Mullighan. The House is a full service boarding house that offers various rooms to fit a boarder's needs, from one night, to as many as the person needs.
❖ -- Grand Palace Hotel / Saloon / Steakhouse :: Nicest place west of Omaha. All the amenities a man, and woman, would require. And the meals compete with Kansas City's Delmonico's Restaurant.
❖ -- Three smaller hotels ::

❖ -- Baer's Feed Store :: Owned and operated by Jonah Baer. "Baer Street goes to show that if one is willing to work hard, the fruits of the labors will give efforts its prize." The street was named after Jonah Wilhelm Baer for his efforts and resilience in the town growing. He now owns and operates the Feed Store and he manages the Sherman' Stockyards, while the Post Office run by his wife, Amelia.

❖ -- Stockyards :: Cattle holding area.... And at the end of Baer Street are the Sherman Stockyards. Unfortunately, Jonah does not own it but he is paid by the town council to manage it. Repairs are funded by the town council and the railroads jointly. Owned by the Town Council and Operated by Jonah Baer.

❖ -- Saloons of Sherman :: These are the 5 dance halls, 7 gambling houses, and twenty-five (25) smaller, and less refined, saloons besides the Grand Palace Hotel Saloon, Yellow Rose Saloon, and Iron Horse Saloon. These saloons conjure up a picture within our minds of a much less fancy, or false, wooden front, a wide boardwalk flanking the dusty street, a couple of hitchin’ posts, and the swinging doors that opened to a long polished bar in search of imbibition to wet a parched throat, and maybe a filly's flirtation.

❖ -- Yellow Rose Saloon :: The Yellow Rose Saloon never closes, catering to their ever present patrons 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Don’t even have a front door ta close. Not the best place in town, but not the worst! and it invites *everyone*, though a few choose not to attend. Of course, the clientele is *special*. Even serves food and girls...
❖ -- Iron Horse Saloon :: "Cold Beer, Good Whiskey, Tolerable Water" and the hang out of the Good Ol' Boys. Not quite as fancy as the 'Palace' but is considered by many as the center for all town activities, gambling, and socializing, with a pianola for accompaniment.
❖ -- Mullighan Stage Depot :: The new office / waiting areas of the Mullighan Stage Line, is now in the urban part of town. The Mullighan Stage and Freight has divided into two sections with the Stage in town, and the Freight line and warehouses on the south end of town near the railroad.

❖ -- Mullighan Freight & Warehouse :: The Mullighan Stage and Freight has divided into two sections with the Stage in town, and the Freight line and warehouses on the south end of town near the railroad. The new office / waiting areas of the Mullighan Stage Line, is now in the the urban part of town.

❖ -- General Mercantile, and 2 general stores :: These establishment carry all sorts of foods, consumables, dry goods, and many other essentials needed to live or make a living. Plus the General Mercantile's apothecary section of the store is well represented with a surprisingly large number of patent medicines, remedies, soaps and toiletries and elixirs.

❖ -- Bermann's Livery & Blacksmith :: Livery, Corral, and Blacksmith. This part of town is Sherman's version of an English gentleman’s club. A masculine sanctuary to pass the time discussing crops or swapping stories over a beer by the potbellied stove. The only nags were out back in the corral, as Ladies are not permitted. Owned / operated by Mikhail Bermann. The Blacksmith is soon to arrive.
❖ -- Farrier / Veterinarian Office ::
❖ -- Corral and Paddocks :: The corral and paddocks are very near the Livery stables, barn, and forge. The facilities are used as working area where horses and burros are separated for various reasons whether for shoeing, shipping, health inspections, or viewing for purchase. The numerous gates, small side pens, wings and alleyways make it easier to work with the animals. The larger holding pen is north of the livery and are connected to the working pens and alleyways. The horses and burros are kept in these pens unless they are to be shipped out in a very short time. The eastern pens are reserved for female animals and the western pens hold the males. The large barn and handling facility was hastily built in 1868 to accommodate the railroad herds. The current configuration was sponsored by Jon Claridge to enhance the town's growing needs. Of course Bermann is now subject to Claridge's influence; but the Marshal keeps close eye.

❖ -- School House :: The schoolhouse started as out as Sorenson House, the former Mayor's house; but the yearn to learn soon expanded and now the two story, 7-room home is the foundation of education, regardless of age or level of knowledge.
❖ -- Land Office and Photography Studio :: Land office is owned and operated by Laurence Peterman, a lawyer from St Louis. A surveyor has recently joined the Land Office. Laurence's wife, Amelia, is the photographer, with new equipment from Boston.
❖ -- TSC Trading Company :: The Tims, Sorenson, and Claridge (TSC) Trading Company still remains in its original position on the fringes of town near the stockyards and railhead. Men with yellow sashes have been reported to be seen near the TSC office building raising speculation of criminals hired to work for Claridge.
❖ -- Wyoming Tradesmen Association :: The WTA derived from valiant efforts of Jon Claridge and his associates of the TSC Trading Company, an American cattle and trade organization started in 1868 among Wyoming cattle ranchers and businessmen to standardize and organize the cattle and trade industry but quickly grew into a political force. Formerly the Timms, Sorensen, and Claridge Trade and Cattle Company.
❖ -- Methodist Episcopal Church :: Sherman's Methodist women pushed for a church. They argued that if they were bringing children to settle in what would become a town, and maybe a city, they wanted a church !! The first Methodist meetings in Laramie, Wyoming, were held in 1868. The Methodist Episcopal Church was established in March of 1869, with G.F. Hilton as pastor, and the first church building was completed in December, 1870. The Reverends office contains church records and related materials, including probationer and membership lists; baptismal, marriage and death records; church history; minutes; quarterly and annual conference reports; financial information; reports of committees; Sunday School records; Wesley Foundation minutes, history, and business records; newsletters; Sunday bulletins; photographs; and building plans and drawings.
❖ -- Church of New Hope :: “The wicked city of Sherman can, at last, boast of a Christian Church." The Church of New Hope is one denomination… God’s Children, where Presbyterian, Baptist, and Methodist can praise God’s name. But... How many weddings and funerals will, or have, occurred in this church? How many people worshiped in this building and are now forgotten, names only on the tombstones in the churchyard? What types of people worship here? At least the builders of the building were honorable men.
❖ -- Silver Spur Opera House :: Sherman's Opera House opened on December 26, 1869. It was owned by Harry Watkins and Rosina Shaw. Watkins, a variety performer, originally intended to present respectable family shows like he'd seen with Rosina in San Francisco that were thronged by large crowds. After the Theatre opened, they hosted a Ladies Night for the respectable women of Sherman, who could attend for free. But the economics of Sherman didn't support their aspirations. They soon canceled the Ladies Night and began offering baser entertainment that appealed to the rough mining crowd. The walls of the Opera House were riddled with gunshot holes from shootings by gunfighters of the hell-on-wheels towns like Sherman. There were 12 balcony boxes where prostitutes worked.
❖ -- Passion's Playhouse :: The local brothel. All good things are just across the tracks. Enter a world of pleasure; anything is feasible... for a price!! And Passion caters to all, regardless of desires and worth.
❖ -- WTA Public Bath House :: The Bath House in Sherman is owned by the Wyoming Tradesman Association (WTA) to enhance the public health of the town. An idea spawned by Jonathan A. Claridge, Esquire as a board member of the WTA. All proceeds go to the maintenance of the facility. Bath houses offered cold and hot baths, and most bath water had been used by other strangers. That is if you did not want to pay for the hot water, used soap, or desire fresh "first" water.
❖ -- Chinese Laundry :: The Laundry in the front has small jade buddha's and a plethora of candles about. In the back, men and illegal women stooping over a boiling kettles with people’s filthy clothes, some stirring boiling clean-water rinse pots, and others hanging up clothing and linen on rope lines.
❖ -- Voag Hanlin's Mortuary :: The town already had a Cemetery called Rail's End. But leave it to old Vogelmeir "Voag" Hanlin to quit drinkin', sober up and start makin' money outta dressing up dead folk and burying 'em.
❖ -- Rail's End Cemetery :: Boothill Cemetary is a common name for the burial grounds of gunfighters, or those who "died with their boots on". But since the beginnings of Sherman was the railroad's hell-on-wheels town, it already had a cemetery even before the first shanty business raised its frame. And appropriately named Rail's End !!!! Graduated to entomb all the great citizens of Sherman and all the passer-bys who stayed... permanently. Rail End's Cemetery is the official name for Sherman's graveyard.

❖ -- Circle Bar M :: C-M, the Claridge estate, Owned by Jon Claridge, Esq.. Jon lives in one of the best ranches in the High Plains with over a 1,000 acres of good grazing land...

• Outrider 1 - TBD , (age: xx)
• Outrider 2 - TBD , (age: xx)

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❖ -- Fortuna Ranch :: The Donovan Ranch, owned and operated by Alexander and Elizabeth Donovan, is 10 miles north-west of Sherman off the Fort Laramie road with the southern property boundary starting at Horse Creek, This 6,573± acre spread runs 1500 head of cattle and 150 head of horse stretching from the Absaroka Mountain Range, butted by lush forests and dappled by pristine lakes pitched equally between Fort Laramie, Laramie and Sherman.
❖ -- Hamilton Creek Ranch :: The Miller property is situated 6 miles southeast of Sherman, it resides on the banks of Hamilton’s Creek, one of the many streams that fill Sherman Lake. A good thirty-minute ride will see you at the front fences of Hamilton Creek Ranch, owned by the Miller Family. The original holding was some 1,500 acres, with an additional 500 acres added in the sale. Land also has government-leased near 6,000 acres of land that adjoins the property.

• Outrider 1 - TBD , (age: xx)
• Outrider 2 - TBD , (age: xx)

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❖ -- J-Bar-B Ranch :: Also known as the Brooks Ranch, was built from the ground up with Jacob's own two hands. Since obtaining the property under the Homestead Act in 1868, he's proven up with the 160 acre ranch with livestock such as cattle, sheep and a few horses, all with the Brooks brand, dotting the landscape, as well as some crops in fertile ground.

• Outrider 1 - TBD , (age: xx)
• Outrider 2 - TBD , (age: xx)

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❖ -- High Meadows Ranch was built from the ground up obtaining the property under the Homestead Act in 1868. The 500 acre ranch with livestock such as cattle and a few horses, all with the proper brand, dotting the landscape, as well as some crops in fertile ground.

• Outrider 1 - TBD , (age: xx)
• Outrider 2 - TBD , (age: xx)

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❖ -- Lake Sherman :: Not far away, a good leisure ride, some five to seven miles, is Lake Sherman… where soft winds caress the out-lying woods that surround this satisfaction-achieved dwelling. As soon as the beautiful trees with fall colors start to dispel their leaves, it is as if a blanket is covering the forest for a nice nap. Mirroring the gates of heaven, this is by far the closest thing on earth one will find near that sensation.

❖ -- Lakota Village :: These Santee People have settled to the north of the town of Sherman. Determined to remain in their ancestral lands, the people of Sherman concern themselves more with the railroads and the challenges it brings than the peaceful Santee Lakota Sioux. Though peaceful, tread not upon their lands uninvited!

❖ -- Sherman Mountain Range :: A small range of the Rocky Mountains that stretch across an area littered with blocks of granite. Giant odd-shaped rocks dot the plains between the sharp ridges, some stacked on top of one another to form massive formations. Mount Sherman, the tallest mountain between Laramie and Cheyenne, summits at 8,841 feet.

❖ -- Fort Lumas ::
❖ -- Fort Laramie ::

❖ -- President, Crédit Mobilier - Oakes Ames (age: 68)
❖ -- President, Union Pacific Railroad - Oliver Ames, Jr. (Brother, age: 65)
❖ -- Vice-President, UPRR Dr. Thomas Clark "Doc" Durant (age: 52)
❖ -- Chief Engineer, UPRR - Grenville M. Dodge (age: 41)
❖ -- Railroad Executive, UPRR - Herbert Hoxie (age: 42)
❖ -- Construction Leader, UPRR - Jack Casement (age: 43)
❖ -- Construction Finance Manager, UPRR - Daniel Casement (age: 38)
❖ -- Railroad Engineer / surveyor, UPRR - Jacob “Jake” Bonham (age: 32)
❖ -- Teamsters – Several openings

• Teamster 1 - TBD (age: 20s – late 50s)
• Teamster 2 - TBD (age: 20s – late 50s)
• Teamster 3 - TBD (age: 20s – late 50s)

❖ -- Iron Men – Several openings

• Iron Men 1 - TBD, (age: 20s – 40s)
• Iron Men 2 - TBD, (age: 20s – 40s)
• Iron Men 3 - TBD, (age: 20s – 40s)

❖ -- Gaugers – Several openings

• Gauger 1 - TBD (age: 20s – late 50s)
• Gauger 2 - TBD (age: 20s – late 50s)
• Gauger 3 - TBD (age: 20s – late 50s)

❖ -- Bolters – Several openings

• Bolter 1 - TBD (age: 20s – late 50s)
• Bolter 2 - TBD (age: 20s – late 50s)
• Bolter 3 - (TBD (age: 20s – late 50s)

❖ -- Spikemen – Several openings

• Spikeman 1 - TBD (age: 20s – late 50s)
• Spikeman 2 - TBD (age: 20s – late 50s)
• Spikeman 3 - TBD (age: 20s – late 50s)

❖ -- Hammers - Wielders – Several openings

• First Hammer - TBD, (age: 20s – 40s)
• Second Hammer - TBD, (age: 20s – 40s)
• Third Hammer - TBD, (age: 20s – 40s)
• First Wielder - TBD, (age: 20s – 40s)
• Second Wielder - TBD, (age: 20s – 40s)
• Third Wielder - TBD, (age: 20s – 40s)