Outlaws and Horse Corrals

Summary

Investigations of a juniper fence located at Powder Springs, in southwest Wyoming, suggest it was constructed in the late 19th century and used as a horse pasture. It was initially speculated the fence was the remains of a late prehistoric or proto-historic big game procurement complex. However, tree-ring dating provided late 19th Century dates for construction of the fence. Historical research indicates that during the late 19th century, Powder Springs was occupied by an outlaw element which used the area as a hideout along the “Outlaw Trail”. Notable among those who frequented Powder Springs was Butch Cassidy. The remains of three rock cabins, a dugout, and a round horse corral provide substance to the historical accounts. The fence encompasses Upper Powder Spring and two of the rock cabins, one of which may have been built by Cassidy.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Wyoming Archaeologist 1999

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Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Marcia Peterson

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