Cheyenne and the Oregon Trail

The Transcontinental Railroad, completed in 1869 and passing through Cheyenne, dramatically reduced wagon travel along the historic Oregon Trail and hastened its decline. Today, visitors can still see wagon ruts at the Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site near Guernsey, Wyoming. Portions of the original railroad grade also remain visible in and around Cheyenne, reflecting Cheyenne’s important role in westward expansion.

Cheyenne’s Planning and Development Department continues to guide growth along this historic corridor.

Click the image or link below to play the classic 1980s game The Oregon Trail, made famous in schools through widespread use of Apple II computers. Originally created in 1971 by Don Rawitsch, Bill Heinemann, and Paul Dillenberger and later distributed by MECC, the game allows players to experience the challenges faced by early pioneers whose journeys helped shape the American West.

An image of the opening screen from the Apple II E game Oregon Trail

Game link: https://oregontrail.ws/games/the-oregon-trail/play/