WESLEY WATSON Star-Tribune staff writer | Posted: Thursday, July 24, 2008 12:00 am
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.