A series where we take a #lookback at the stories and history of our community, brought to you by Mick Pryor, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones.
Ross Lakes are situated between Torrey Peak and the Three Waters Mountain southwest of Dubois, and only fourteen miles north of Wyoming’s highest peak. The lakes are high elevation glacial lakes, and include Ross Lake and Upper Ross Lake. In 1927, the Riverton Review reported that the lakes were named by the National Geographic Society to honor two of Wyoming’s governors, and Forest Ranger Alfred G. Clayton of the district was credited as being instrumental in the lake’s designation.
William B. Ross had served as Wyoming’s twelfth governor from 1923 until his sudden death due to surgical complications in 1924. The next month, the Democratic Party nominated Governor Ross’ widow, Nellie Ross, to run for governor. She refused to campaign; however, after a special election, she was elected as governor and took office on January 5, 1925. She was the first woman governor in the history of the United States.
Nellie Davis Ross was born in St. Joseph Missouri, and married William Ross in 1902 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. In 1926, the Wind River Mountaineer reported that Governor Nellie Ross was considered for the Vice Presidency for 1928. In 1933, she was appointed by Franklin D. Roosevelt as director for the U.S. Mint, another pioneer moment for her as the first woman to hold that position.
Author: Seth McFarland, Dubois Museum
Postcard from the collection fo the Dubois Museum:
Next up for the Fremont County Museum
March 21, 6pm at the Dubois Museum, “Circle Up Along the Wind River” Wyoming Community Bank Discovery Speakers Series
March 29, 1-3pm at the Pioneer Museum, “Celebrating Women’s History Month” Wyoming Community Bank Discovery Speakers Series
April 19, 1-3pm at the Pioneer Museum, “Sheep Shearing Day” Bailey Tire/Pit Stop Children’s Exploration Series
April 26, 9-2 with the Pioneer Museum, “Garden Expo Craft Booth” Bailey Tire/Pit Stop Children’s Exploration Series
April 26, 10am at the Dubois Museum, “Wind River Kites: Make Your Own Kite” Bailey Tire/Pit Stop Children’s Exploration Series
May 1, 2pm at the Dubois Museum, “Shippen Family Legacy in Dubois” Wyoming Community Bank Discovery Speakers Series
May 17, 9am with the Dubois Museum, “Butch Cassidy at Jakey’s Fork” Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek Series
May 22, 7pm at the Pioneer Museum, “Lander 1925” Wyoming Community Bank Discovery Speakers Series
May 24, 1-3pm at the Pioneer Museum, “Being a Pioneer Kid” Bailey Tire/Pit Stop Children’s Exploration Series
May 24, 10am at the Pioneer Museum, “Lander Main Street Trek” Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek Series
May 31, 11am at the Riverton Museum, “Horned Owl Draper Raptor Experience” Bailey Tire/Pit Stop Children’s Exploration Series
Call the Dubois Museum 1-307-455-2284, the Pioneer Museum 1-307-332-3339 or the Riverton Museum 1-307-856-2665 for detail regarding their programs.
The Dubois Museum, the Pioneer Museum in Lander and the Riverton Museum need your financial support. In the current economic environment, the museums are more reliant than ever on donations from the private sector to continue to provide the quality programs, collections management, exhibits and services that have become their hallmark over the last four years. Please make your tax deductible contribution through the Wind River Cultural Centers Foundation www.windriverccf.com or by sending a check to Fremont County Museums 450 N 2nd Rm 320 or taking it directly to the museum you choose to support. 