Pioneering Trees

Linda Burton posting from Cheyenne, Wyoming – Nannie Steele arrived in Cheyenne in the midst of a sandstorm in September of 1876. A strong woman who rode with the cowboys and was acquainted with Buffalo Bill, she made this observation in a letter — “there are only twelve trees in this town.” The next year however, things began to change. John Talbot, often referred to as Major, was an early settler in Cheyenne, claiming 160 acres and opening the Talbot House at 16^th and Thomas, one of the first hotels. He built a large house on the corner of 27^th and Snyder, with a third-floor ballroom, and eventually, lavishly landscaped grounds. It is recorded that in 1877 he ordered 20,000 young trees and willow cuttings from Nebraska, his former home, for planting in Cheyenne. Early pioneers planted and hand-watered those first trees along the streets and in the parks of Cheyenne; by the early 1900’s Cheyenne was known as “The City of Trees.” » read more