On a recent outing with her husband and grandchildren, Nancy Hendrickson, of Hillsdale, goes over the famous names in a 1883 photographic reproduction adorning The Virginian's walls. Some of the names include "Butch Cassidy," the "Sundance Kid," Wyatt Earp, "Doc" Holliday, Bat Masterson, Judge Roy Bean and Theodore Roosevelt. An inscription on the bottom explains that the lawmen, law breakers and future president would sometimes take hunting excursions together. Photo by Wesley Watson, Star-Tribune.
The Virginian Hotel in Medicine Bow was built in 1909 to honor the hero of Owen Wister's Western novel, "The Virginian."
Based on personal writings Wister began when he was 25, "The Virginian" was one of the first western heroes embraced by the entire country. Likewise, the hotel itself was a first of its kind in the area, billed as a "first-class" hotel, complete with electric lights, steam heat and indoor plumbing.
Today it stands as a reminder of the Old West, housing memorabilia from that era, and an oasis for travelers heading through the sparsely populated town of Medicine Bow. The Virginian is known for his line, "When you call me that, smile."
These photos were taken during a side venture on a recent One-Tank Trip to Vedauwoo. For that story, click here.
Posted in State-and-regional on Thursday, July 24, 2008 12:00 am
© Copyright 2009, trib.com, Casper, WY | Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
