Why I Chose Casper, WY

It has been one of my personal dreams to be involved with hockey in some way, so the opportunity to own a team is a very exciting one. But with so many places to choose from, it can be difficult to pick a location for the team. In my case, there were twenty options, each with its advantages. Of those twenty, I chose three to visit. Although they were each strong contenders, it was ultimately Casper, Wyoming, that won the day. But why? 

In this post, I hope to offer some of the reasons that Casper, Wyoming, caught my attention and stood out from other potential places as the ideal location to base the recently named Casper Warbirds. 

Location

To begin with, Casper, Wyoming, is a beautiful city. Because of its location, Casper possesses the best qualities of both city and country life. From its proximity to Casper Mountain to the many rivers, lakes, and reservoirs that dot its landscape, it is no exaggeration to say that Casper has some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country. The climate of Casper is also delightful, boasting four distinct seasons and sunshine for the vast majority of the year. And while some complain about the powerful winds in Casper, these winds can also be a blessing in disguise, resulting in cleaner and fresher air to enjoy throughout the year. Because of these beautiful natural features, Casper is home to many hiking trails, rock walls, skiing trails, and places to swim or kayak. 

The beauty of Casper extends even beyond the spectacular countryside. In the city, cultural enthusiasts can find many great opportunities for education, entertainment, and socializing. Casper is home to museums, art galleries, and even the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra. There are plenty of stores and restaurants, and Eastridge Mall serves as an ideal spot to spend a day shopping and enjoying city life. 

Whether you prefer the city or the countryside or love both, Casper has something for you. This town is unique, and this fact extends beyond the present into the fascinating story of Casper’s past. 

History

History is part of the human story and, therefore, part of our story. Because of this, it has the ability to interest and inspire us in a unique way. This is why it was such an important factor in choosing Casper. Casper, Wyoming, was named after the nearby Fort Casper. The fort, in turn, received its name in honor of the heroism of Lieutenant Caspar Collins, who died in the Battle of Platte Bridge. (When naming the city, they did misspell Collins' name, which is a funny piece of history.)

Before Wyoming was an official territory, let alone a state in the U.S., travelers moving westward in search of a new life frequented it. Casper, in particular, was a stop on routes such as the California Trail, the Mormon Pioneer Trail, and even the iconic Oregon Trail. 

In 1868, Wyoming would finally become a territory. This caused people in the east to take a greater interest in Wyoming, and a railroad was built in the Casper region, causing a new town to spring to life. Soon, many astute investors realized that entering the oil business could be very profitable. Mark Shannon was the first to capitalize on this relatively new field, opening up the Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Company in Casper. The territory of Wyoming began to play a significant role in the oil industry, and Casper’s economy boomed during the years of 1910-1925. This boom also meant that the population of Casper increased significantly, setting the stage for it to become the thriving city that it is today. 

Approximately fifty years after Wyoming officially entered the Union as a state, World War II began. Initially, the United States would remain fairly passive. Apart from sending supplies to their allies, they stayed out of the conflict. But this would all change when Japan launched an attack on Pearl Harbor. Once the U.S. entered the war, not even a remote town like Casper, Wyoming, could stay uninvolved. A new base was commissioned, and it was decided that it would be constructed in Casper. Thus, the Casper Army Air Base was born. It was responsible for training B-17 and B-24 bomber crews who bravely ventured on many expeditions during the war. 

After the war, the Casper Army Air Base was officially decommissioned. Although the base no longer facilitates military operations, it still sends out aircraft every day. Nearly one hundred of the air base's original buildings were preserved in what is now the Casper-Natrona County International Airport. The airport also houses the Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum, which commemorates the stories of Wyoming World War II veterans and details the day-to-day operations of the old Casper Army Air Base. 

Casper’s humble beginning as a small town in the Wild West, its massive oil boom, and its eventual role in training and deploying World War II all come together to make a compelling, unique, and charming history. It is a history to be proud of and one that is worthy of being represented by a team. But while I have spoken about Casper's location and its colorful history, I have yet to mention the most significant factor in my decision to choose Casper: the community.     

Community

The greatest thing about Casper, without a doubt, is the community. While some might only see the good in a big and glamorous city, the small and active community of Casper sets it apart and presents some unique opportunities. For one, the size of the community means a greater potential for community involvement. This has already been proven by the number of events in Casper, such as festivals, parades, and pop-up markets. 

The community itself, beyond its small size, is remarkably kind and welcoming. Casper is a tightly knit town, and the people in it can rally together, united by their common love for their community. Casper is also home to many charitable organizations, demonstrating a spirit of generosity and a desire among many to give back to their community. I chose Casper because, more than anything else, I believe in the people. They know their worth, they know their history, and they love their community. I cannot think of a better place for the Warbirds to call home.