The town of Hartville owes its name to the Army. According to a story often told by the late I.S. Barlett, one of the most widely known pioneers of his time, who was instrumental in the development of the mineral resources of the country and in the building of the copper smelter at Fairbanks, the town received its name in the following manner. In 1882, there was a lively mining camp at the present town site, but it was known only as Eureka Oano. Colonel V.K. Hart, commander of the post at Fort Laramie, visited the camp and located a claim at the head of the canon. This claim, known as the Keystone, is still owned by members of the Hart family, residing in Cheyenne. Colonel Hart often visited the camp to look after his property, from which copper was being mined and hauled to the smelter at Fairbanks. On one occasion, Colonel Hart and Bartlett decided that the mining camp was destined to become a permanent settlement, and that it should be given a name. After a friendly discussion, they agreed to toss a coin and name the camp after the winner. Colonel Hart won, and the camp, now an incorporated town, is known by the name he gave it. (WPA) The town is named after Col. Verling K. Hart, an officer stationed at Ft. Laramie during the 1880's. He once owned a copper mine in the area. Prior to the founding of the town, this was an important hunting and camping area. (Diocese) Named for Colonel Verling K. Hart. (Annals of Wyoming 14:3)
Other Names:
Indian Springs, Eureka Oano, Hartland
County:
Platte
Feature Category:
Manmade Features
More Reading:
Early Hartville and Sunrise : a study of the frontier and immigration in Wyoming. Mellinger, Philip J. 1969.; Hartville, Wyoming : "the most reviled town in the state". Parkin, Patsy. Wheatland, WY : Spirit Quest Press, 2010.; "The Copper Mines" Cheyenne Daily Leader July 22, 1881; "The Mines at Hartville" Cheyenne Daily Leader July 23, 1881; "Hartville-Its History and Wealth" Converse County Herald December 9, 1897
