Lovell
Lovell, Wyoming was named for rancher Henry Clay Lovell. In 1879, Lovell brought cattle ranching into the Big Horn Basin and established a ranch a few miles above the mouth of Nowood Creek. Lovell established a second ranch on Shell Creek the following year, and in 1883, a third at the Five Springs site along the Bighorn River.
The Five Springs site became the headquarters for the cattle kingdom, where as many as 25,000 cattle roamed from Thermoloplis north to the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana. The cattle ranching business was growing and required mail service. In 1888, the first mail service to the area was established at Cook's Road Ranch. The post office was named Lovell in honor of Henry Clay Lovell, who had used his political influence to help provide the service to the newly-settled area.
Today, Lovell is an important supply point on the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad line. There are 13 locomotives in the State of Wyoming, and Lovell's central location in the Big Horn Basin is ideal for the transport of sugar, the county's largest crop. The railroad hub in Lovell supports the towns of Byron, Cowley, Deaver, and Frannie.
Built in 1916, the Great Western Sugar Factory encompasses a group of pressed-brick buildings on landscaped grounds. Irrigation had shown prudent in turning sugar-beet cultivation into a thriving industry. By 1909, Lovell had irrigation to its crops. During the fall campaign, harvest and refining season, the plant is the center of regional activity. Three crews keep its processing machinery grinding continuously for several months, and lines of trucks rumble between the factory and the fields. By-products of the crop, beet pulp and tops, are made into feed for hogs and cattle. During the beet campaign of the Big Horn Basin Region, the population is considerably increased by the influx of sugar-factory workers.
The town is perfectly nestled at the foothills of the Bighorn and Pryor Mountains in the Big Horn Basin. The recreational areas are bountiful for the outdoor enthusiast. The Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is alive with geological, cultural, historic, and scenic wonders. The area offers great wildlife viewing opportunity for Bighorn Sheep, mule deer, coyote, and pheasants. Wild horses can be seen through the Pryor Mountain National Wild Horse Range. The Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Unit encompasses 19,000 acres of public land opened for hunting, acclaimed as the finest natural bird habitat in Wyoming.
With the short distance into the Bighorn Mountains, one can truly appreciate the rugged beauty of this northwestern region of Wyoming. The steep walls and rugged canyons of these mountains leaves visitors awe struck. Heading east out of Lovell on U.S. Highway 14A, the road begins to climb, becoming one of the most spectacular pieces of highway in America with turnouts and scenic vistas that look out over the entire Big Horn Basin and the Rocky Mountains. On a clear day, a traveler can see for over a hundred miles. This highway has been designated a Scenic and Historic Byway by the United States Congress.
Lovell, Wyoming offers a warm and friendly community, welcoming travelers in and out of the area, along with newcomers. Travelers can find enjoyment in local history, scenic drives, and adventure in the vast open land that is easily accessed from the town of Lovell. Enjoy the mild weather, clear blue skies, fresh mountain air, and the genuine character of this Wyoming town.
Currently OutsideOther pages you might find helpful:
Big Horn County School District
The Big Horn County School of Lovell, Wyoming.
Lovell Branch Library
The Lovell Branch Library serves the local community.
Lovell Rose Gardens
The Lovell Rose Gardens are just one of the many city parks of Lovell, Wyoming.
Town of Lovell
Official site for the Town of Lovell, Wyoming.
Wyoming Community Foundation
The Wyoming Community Foundation offers the Vera Asay Sargent Scholarship to graduates of Lovell High School.
