Thermopolis, Wyoming

Thermopolis is the largest town in Hot Springs County, Wyoming, United States, and also the county seat.[6] As of the 2010 census, the town population was 3,009.

Thermopolis, Wyoming
Town
Thermopolis viewed from Roundtop Mountain
Nickname(s): 
"Thermop" "T-Town"
Motto(s): 
"A Past To Behold, A Future To Uphold"
Location of Thermopolis in Hot Springs County, Wyoming.
Thermopolis, Wyoming
Location in Wyoming
Thermopolis, Wyoming
Location in the United States
Coordinates: 43°38′46″N 108°12′43″W[1]
CountryUnited States
StateWyoming
CountyHot Springs
Government
 • MayorMike Chimenti
Area
 • Total2.47 sq mi (6.39 km2)
 • Land2.39 sq mi (6.18 km2)
 • Water0.08 sq mi (0.21 km2)
Elevation4,331 ft (1,320 m)
Population
 • Total3,009
 • Estimate 
(2019)[4]
2,764
 • Density1,157.94/sq mi (447.11/km2)
Time zoneUTC−7 (Mountain (MST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC−6 (MDT)
ZIP code
82443
Area code(s)307
FIPS code56-76515[5]
Websitewww.townofthermopolis.com

"Thermopolis" (ΘΕΡΜΟ - ΠΟΛΙΣ) is from the Greek for "Hot City". It is home to numerous natural hot springs, in which mineral-laden waters are heated by geothermal processes. The town is named for the hot springs located there.[7]

The town claims the world's largest mineral hot spring, appropriately named "The Big Spring", as part of Wyoming's Hot Springs State Park. The springs are open to the public for free as part of an 1896 treaty signed with the Shoshone and Arapaho Indian tribes.

Dinosaur fossils were found on the Warm Springs Ranch in 1993, and the Wyoming Dinosaur Center was founded soon after.[8]

Geography

Thermopolis is located near the northern end of the Wind River Canyon and Wedding of the Waters, where the north-flowing Wind River becomes the Bighorn River. It is an unusual instance of a river changing names at a point other than a confluence of two streams. The dual name is ascribed to the mountain barrier between the Wind River and Bighorn basins, obscuring the fact that the river that drains the two is the same. The term "Wedding of the Waters" dates to at least 1934, when a marker was placed at the location.[9]

Thermopolis is ringed by mountains, with the Big Horn Mountains to the northeast, the Bridger Mountains to the southeast, the Owl Creek Mountains to the southwest and the Absaroka Range to the northwest. Thermopolis is the southern-most municipality in the Big Horn Basin.

Roundtop Mountain, on the northern edge of town, is a unique geological formation shaped much like a volcano. It sits at approximately 6,000 feet and is the highest area in the immediate vicinity of Thermopolis.[10]

A large body of water, Boysen Reservoir, lies approximately 17 miles south of Thermopolis and is inhabited by many species of fish including rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brown trout, walleye, northern pike and perch among others.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.47 square miles (6.40 km2), of which, 2.38 square miles (6.16 km2) of it is land and 0.09 square miles (0.23 km2) is water.[11]

Climate

Thermopolis experiences a Cold desert climate (Köppen BWk)[12] with cold, dry winters and hot, dry summers. In fact, the town features Wyoming's highest average daytime temperatures in July and August.

Climate data for Thermopolis, Wyoming (1981–2010 normals)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 67
(19)		 70
(21)		 80
(27)		 90
(32)		 98
(37)		 105
(41)		 107
(42)		 106
(41)		 99
(37)		 92
(33)		 77
(25)		 78
(26)		 107
(42)
Average high °F (°C) 40.5
(4.7)		 45.9
(7.7)		 55.3
(12.9)		 65.2
(18.4)		 74.4
(23.6)		 84.3
(29.1)		 93.3
(34.1)		 91.5
(33.1)		 80.9
(27.2)		 65.2
(18.4)		 51.0
(10.6)		 38.9
(3.8)		 65.5
(18.6)
Average low °F (°C) 11.5
(−11.4)		 16.1
(−8.8)		 25.2
(−3.8)		 33.5
(0.8)		 42.4
(5.8)		 50.2
(10.1)		 57.0
(13.9)		 55.0
(12.8)		 45.0
(7.2)		 33.8
(1.0)		 21.5
(−5.8)		 11.1
(−11.6)		 33.5
(0.8)
Record low °F (°C) −44
(−42)		 −42
(−41)		 −28
(−33)		 −18
(−28)		 12
(−11)		 24
(−4)		 34
(1)		 23
(−5)		 7
(−14)		 −16
(−27)		 −28
(−33)		 −38
(−39)		 −44
(−42)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 0.41
(10)		 0.39
(9.9)		 0.88
(22)		 1.61
(41)		 2.25
(57)		 1.49
(38)		 0.98
(25)		 0.55
(14)		 1.10
(28)		 1.35
(34)		 0.64
(16)		 0.38
(9.7)		 12.04
(306)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 5.4
(14)		 4.7
(12)		 5.1
(13)		 2.2
(5.6)		 0.3
(0.76)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0.2
(0.51)		 2.3
(5.8)		 3.5
(8.9)		 5.0
(13)		 28.7
(73.57)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 3.3 3.3 4.4 6.8 7.9 8.3 5.9 4.7 5.7 5.1 3.8 3.4 62.4
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 2.4 2.1 1.8 0.9 0.1 0 0 0 0 0.6 1.7 2.4 12.1
Source: NOAA (extremes 1899–present)[13]

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
1900299—
19101,524409.7%
19202,00531.6%
19302,1296.2%
19402,42213.8%
19502,87018.5%
19603,95537.8%
19703,063−22.6%
19803,85225.8%
19903,247−15.7%
20003,172−2.3%
20103,009−5.1%
Est. 20192,764[4]−8.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[14]

2010 census

As of the census[3] of 2010, there were 3,009 people, 1,389 households, and 818 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,264.3 inhabitants per square mile (488.1/km2). There were 1,583 housing units at an average density of 665.1 per square mile (256.8/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 96.4% White, 0.3% African American, 0.9% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.2% of the population.

There were 1,389 households of which 24.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.3% were married couples living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 41.1% were non-families. 35.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.11 and the average family size was 2.70.

The median age in the town was 47 years. 20.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20.2% were from 25 to 44; 30.5% were from 45 to 64; and 22.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 49.1% male and 50.9% female.

2000 census

As of the census[5] of 2000, there were 3,172 people, 1,342 households, and 849 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,331.0 people per square mile (514.6/km2). There were 1,568 housing units at an average density of 657.9 per square mile (254.4/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 95.90% White, 0.47% African American, 1.70% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.50% from other races, and 1.17% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.30% of the population.

There were 1,342 households out of which 26.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.0% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.7% were non-families. 32.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the town, the population was spread out with 22.5% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 23.2% from 25 to 44, 26.9% from 45 to 64, and 21.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. Gender makeup for this period was 47.2% male and 52.8% female.

The median income for a household in the town was $29,205, and the median income for a family was $38,448. Males had a median income of $26,824 versus $18,438 for females. The per capita income for the town was $16,648. About 8.3% of families and 10.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.3% of those under age 18 and 6.5% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

Tourism

Because of Hot Springs State Park, tourism is of considerable economic importance to Thermopolis.[10] A state maintained herd of American Bison reside in Hot Springs State Park, which extends into the northeast corner of town. Two hot mineral water concessions with numerous water slides and other attractions, the Teepee Pools and Star Plunge are located within the park. Two hotels, Days Inn-Safari Club and Best Western-Plaza Inn, are also in the park. Other tourism-related businesses in and near the town include the Downtown Thermopolis Historic District, the Hot Springs County Museum and Cultural Center and the Wind River Canyon Whitewater Rafting. Thermopolis (indeed, all of Hot Springs County) levies a 4% lodging tax for boarders in county hotels and motels.[15]

The Hot Springs County Museum and Cultural Center has an eclectic collection of memorabilia from local pioneers circa 1890 through 1910, with plans to focus on Tim McCoy, who lived in Hot Springs County from 1912 to 1942, during which he built the High Eagle Ranch about 45 miles west of town. He worked for many years as an actor in what are now called B westerns, or lower-budget cowboy movies in Hollywood.[16]

Nearby East Thermopolis is home to the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, a non-profit corporation that conducts paleontology digs in the area and maintains a visitor center with a museum, gift shop and snack bar.[17] They offer daily tours of the dig site that allow visitors to participate in excavations.

Every May since 1993, thousands of basketball players have descended upon Thermopolis for the annual 3 on 3 Hot Spot Shootout Basketball Tournament. The event is typically hosted on the first weekend in May (Friday, Saturday, Sunday), but has also been held on the second weekend in May. The tournament shuts down several blocks of the city for the weekend, as up to 60+ temporary basketball courts are constructed on city streets in the downtown area. The event is co-sponsored by the Hot Springs County Chamber of Commerce and Hoop World Basketball.[18]

Thermopolis, 1918

On August 21, 2017, Thermopolis experienced a total eclipse of the sun.[19]

Education

Public education in the town of Thermopolis is provided by Hot Springs County School District #1[20] It is the only school district in the county. HSCSD1 includes Ralph Witters Elementary School, Thermopolis Middle School, Hot Springs County High School, and a building for the county auditorium and district administrative offices, all in Thermopolis. Lucerne Intermediate School, a facility for fourth and fifth graders located in Lucerne, closed in 2005. Fourth and fifth graders now attend the recently expanded Ralph Witters Elementary.[21] All of HSCSD1's athletic teams are known as the Thermopolis Bobcats, and their colors are purple and gold. Hot Springs County High School's athletics are currently classified to compete as the smallest school (by enrollment) in class 3A (some programs are currently in Class 2A, such as varsity football) by the Wyoming High School Activities Association.[22] The estimated high school enrollment for the 2017-18 school year is 209 students.[22] By comparison, the largest 3A school, Riverton High School's estimated 2017-18 enrollment, stands at 787 students.

Media

Thermopolis has a weekly newspaper, the Thermopolis Independent Record, as well as five radio stations. The Independent Record releases an updated issue every Thursday.

Infrastructure

Postal service

The United States Postal Service operates the Thermopolis Post Office under ZIP code 82443.[23]

Health care

The Wyoming Department of Health's Wyoming Pioneer Home, an assisted living facility for the elderly owned and run by the State of Wyoming, is located in Thermopolis.[24][25] The facility was operated by the Wyoming Board of Charities and Reform until that agency was dissolved as a result of a state constitutional amendment passed in November 1990.[26] The facility sits in the heart of the scenic Hot Springs State Park.

Hot Springs Memorial Hospital is a full-service hospital located in East Thermopolis. It is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital that provides state of the art equipment.

Gottsche Rehab Center is located within the campus of Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital. It serves as a rehabilitation center for those in need after serious treatment at Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital. The building went under huge renovation in 2018.

Red Rock Family Practice is a small health facility in East Thermopolis. The building is usually served as a minor treatment clinic, and is a branch of Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital.

Transportation

Highways

Airport

Thermopolis is served by the Hot Springs County–Thermopolis Municipal Airport near Grass Creek, Wyoming for basic aviation.

Notable people
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gollark: Fewer palindromes before? This is clear evidence of a TJ08/TJ09 conspiracy.
gollark: Very palindromic!
gollark: TJ09 updating a thing is *not possible*.
gollark: If TJ08 does not exist it may be necessary to create one.

References
  1. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Thermopolis, Wyoming
  2. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
  3. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2012-12-14.
  4. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". United States Census Bureau. May 24, 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  5. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  6. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
  7. "Profile for Thermopolis, Wyoming, WY". ePodunk. Archived from the original on May 14, 2019. Retrieved July 18, 2012.
  8. Butcher, Melissa. "Home". Wyoming Dinosaur Center. Retrieved 2019-09-04.
  9. Dayton, Kelsey (April 6, 2018). "The Wedding of the Waters". WyoFile. Retrieved 4 January 2019.
  10. About Thermopolis Archived 2009-09-25 at the Wayback Machine, Accessed 090728.
  11. "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on 2012-07-02. Retrieved 2012-12-14.
  12. http://plantmaps.com https://www.plantmaps.com/koppen-climate-classification-map-united-states.php. Retrieved 2019-10-10. Missing or empty |title= (help); External link in |website= (help)
  13. "NowData - NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 2013-07-05.
  14. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  15. Wyoming tax rate chart, Accessed 090728.
  16. Wyoming Tourism entry on Thermopolis Archived 2009-09-19 at the Wayback Machine, Accessed 090728.
  17. Wyoming Dinosaur Center website Archived 2009-09-19 at the Wayback Machine, Accessed 090728.
  18. "Home". www.hoopworldbasketball.com. Retrieved 2019-09-04.
  19. "2017 Solar Eclipse - Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce, WY". thermopolischamber.org. Retrieved 2019-09-04.
  20. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2007-05-06. Retrieved 2007-04-29.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  21. Hot Springs County School District #1 Archived 2007-06-25 at the Wayback Machine, Accessed 090728.
  22. "2016-17 and 2017-18 ADM's for Grades 9-12" (PDF). WHSAA.
  23. "Post Office Location - THERMOPOLIS Archived 2011-01-11 at the Wayback Machine." United States Postal Service. Retrieved on December 12, 2010.
  24. "Wyoming Pioneer Home Archived 2007-08-21 at the Wayback Machine." Wyoming Department of Health. Retrieved on December 12, 2010. "Wyoming Pioneer Home 141 Pioneer Home Drive Thermopolis, WY 82443"
  25. "Thermopolis town, Wyoming." U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved on December 12, 2010.
  26. "About the Department of Corrections." Wyoming Department of Corrections. Retrieved on August 22, 2010.
  27. "Kelsey Bray, Blazin' saddle". Wyoming Tribune-Eagle. Retrieved September 23, 2013.
  28. "Clayton Danks". records.ancestry.com. Retrieved September 23, 2013.
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