Rawlins and Casper Wyoming

An interesting drive through southern Wyoming.
We learned that the Fort Bridger had a history of 'ownership' from the Mountain Man - Jim Bridger to the Morman's, to the US Government  and back again (several times).

The route on I-80 was a 'thoroughfare' for the Morman trail, the Oregon Trail, the Pony Express.  A common route to reach the west coast that went north of most rugged part of the Rocky Mountains.  It was interesting to cross the continental divide at an elevation of 7000 ft, but the terrain looked flat and not at all what you would expect from being the dividing line of the US waters.

The Frontier Prison Museum at Rawlins, Wyoming

an interesting tour

,

Julian Gallows invented this trap door mechanism, so that the prisoner would activate his own execution by the water trap door mechanism, and the executioner would not be 

"responsible" for pulling the lever.

A movie company made this for the one movie made at this prison.

Two inmates would share this space with bunk beds 

This was a 'working prison' and the inmates had to work at all the jobs available.

Art had only one hand and he could paint with the other.  His paintings contain optical illusions. 

For instance, the big horn sheep have eyes that follow you where ever you are!  Weird!

This is the actual Gallows (water trip mechanism )shown in the mock up movie at the beginning.

Lou got condemned to the Gas Chamber- Oh No!!

Finally, a peaceful place to rest for the night at Casper Wyoming, (after traveling thru thunder storms and almost hail - heavy rain.)