Medicine Bow
Ghost town in Carbon County, Wyoming · UPRR district
Founded
1868
Peak Population
~1,000
Elevation
6,563 ft
Primary Industry
railroad
County
Carbon
Coordinates
41.8967, -106.2017
History
A Union Pacific Railroad town immortalized in Owen Wister's 1902 novel 'The Virginian,' considered the first Western novel. The historic Virginian Hotel (built 1911, NRHP listed) was named after the book. Once a bustling railroad and cattle town, now a near-ghost with about 284 residents.
Visiting Medicine Bow
What remains: Near-ghost. ~284 residents. Virginian Hotel (1911) still stands.
Access: Highway 30/287 between Laramie and Rawlins. Paved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Medicine Bow?
Medicine Bow is located in Carbon County, Wyoming, in the UPRR area at an elevation of 6,563 ft, coordinates 41.8967, -106.2017.
Can you visit Medicine Bow today?
Highway 30/287 between Laramie and Rawlins. Paved.
What remains at Medicine Bow?
Near-ghost. ~284 residents. Virginian Hotel (1911) still stands.