Welcome To Kemmerer, Wyoming
Kemmerer has a rich and nationally significant history. Established in 1897 and incorporated in January of 1899, Kemmerer is a community with a mining tradition that is emblematic of the development of the industry in the American West. The Kemmerer mine, Westmoreland Kemmerer, Inc., is located six miles south of town. Kemmerer is the seat of Lincoln County, located in a region of the country very near the Oregon Trail, California Trail, and Pony Express routes. James Cash "JC" Penney founded his chain upon moving to Kemmerer in 1902 as a dry goods store for the booming mining town. The original J.C. Penney store is still a thriving retail outlet known as the "Mother Store."
The rich deposits of fossils in the area have long been a point of interest for paleontologists and geologists, both amateur and professional. People come from all over the world to visit and explore the area.
The town has grown and prospered through boom and bust. Its main industry is mineral-based; coal, gas, sulfur, helium, etc... Kemmerer's past is an important element as it plans for its future.
- Kemmerer Main Street
- Around Town
- Fossil Fest
- Oyster Ridge
The Kemmerer City Council is seeking individuals to serve on the Kemmerer Main Street Committee to assist them in revitalization of the downtown area. In December of 2009 the City of Kemmerer was selected as an "Aspiring Community" by the Wyoming Main Street program. This committee will focus on the development and implementation four areas that make the Main Street program successful. Those areas are: Design, Organization, Economic Restructuring and Promotion.
The success of the program is dependent upon the citizens of the community participating in the revitalization of the down town. You can participate by filling out the application and submitting it to the Kemmerer City Hall.
Check out the Kemmerer/Diamonville Chamber of Commerce website for area attractions, local businesses, and a calendar of happenings around town. Click here for more: http://www.kemmererchamber.com/
The entire community celebrates Fossil Fest in early July each year! Keep an eye on the Fossil Fest website http://www.fossilfest.org/ for more information as it becomes available.
Oyster Ridge Music Festival 2010 was a great success. Planning for 2011 is already under way! Plan to visit Kemmerer at the end of July! Check out the latest information at the Oyster Ridge's website: http://oysterridgemusicfestival.com/