In an arid and sagebrush covered plateau the town site was laid out in May 1909. It was named after Major John Wesley Powell, an engineer forerunner to the present reclamation engineers, and one of the first to visualize a prosperous agricultural community. This sage brush covered area was converted into a lush garden spot by the waters of the Shoshone River. One of the greatest assets of basic importance to the future welfare of Powell, and even the county itself may be found in its soil and the products that are grown here. (WPA)
Other Names:
Camp Colter; Alfalfa City
County:
Park
Feature Category:
Manmade Features
More Reading:
"The Powell Valley and the Alfalfa City" Powell Tribune September 8, 1911, Page 1; Farm town: stories of the early history of Powell. Bonner, Robert. [Powell, WY: Powell Tribune]. c1999.; Home in the valley : Powell's first century. Bonner, Robert. Cody, Wyo. : WordsWorth, c2008.; Pioneer memories : Powell, Park County, Wyoming. 2nd ed. Christiansen, Hazel. [Powell, Wyo. : Powell Business & Professional Women and Powell Branch AAUW], 1975.; My return to the Powell Valley. Clark, Doris C. Powell, Wyo. : Doris C. Clark, [1999]; Powell. Then & now Powell. Johnston, Jeremy M. Charleston, S.C. : Arcadia Pub., c2012.; Powell. Johnston, Jeremy M. Charleston, S. C. : Arcadia Pub., 2009. Powell, 1909-1959. Shanor, Don, ed.; Powell, Wyoming : Powell Jubilee Corp., 1959.; Walking tour of historic downtown Powell. Wyoming Historical Society. Park County Chapter. [Powell, Wyoming] Powell Valley Chamber of Commerce ca 1995.; Jeremy Johnston. Powell, Wyoming. WyoHistory.org
