You’ll find Table Rock perched at 6,847 feet in Wyoming’s Red Desert Basin along I-80. This historic railroad settlement transformed into a thriving company town during the natural gas boom, offering free housing to Colorado Interstate Gas employees. By 2000, it housed 82 residents in 55 modern homes with a vibrant community center. After El Paso Corp’s 2001 acquisition and Anadarko Petroleum’s 2003 takeover, the town emptied completely. The abandoned structures tell a fascinating story of Wyoming’s energy frontier.
Key Takeaways
- Table Rock was a company town in Wyoming’s Sweetwater County that became completely abandoned by 2003 after peaking at 82 residents.
- The town’s decline began in 2001 when El Paso Corp acquired Colorado Interstate Gas, ending the free housing program for employees.
- Located at 6,847 feet elevation in Wyoming’s Red Desert Basin, Table Rock originally developed around railroad and natural gas operations.
- Before abandonment, the town featured 55 modern homes, a community center, and essential amenities for gas company employees.
- The site remains a federally recognized historic location, preserving structures that showcase Wyoming’s frontier and energy industry heritage.
The Birth of a Railroad Town
You’ll find Table Rock nestled in Wyoming’s Sweetwater County, where distinctive flat rocks gave this historic railroad settlement its name. Back in the 1880s, this strategic location along the westward route became a vital junction where the Oregon Short Line Railroad met the main line, though you’d only find about six residents there at the time.
The settlement’s railroad history began modestly with just three boxcars serving as the depot and waiting rooms. You can trace the settlement patterns through early photographs from 1890, showing how the town grew around the railroad’s needs. Like many workers who lived in tent cities during railroad construction, early Table Rock residents adapted to frontier conditions.
The site’s importance stemmed from its proximity to coal deposits, making it perfect for fueling steam locomotives, while nearby Ham’s Fork provided water transport for railroad ties and maintenance materials. Among the few early residents was a railroad worker’s wife, representing the small but determined community that established itself in this frontier outpost.
Life in a Company Town
If you’d worked at Table Rock in the late 1970s, you’d have found yourself living rent-free in one of 55 well-built homes provided by Colorado Interstate Gas.
You’d have enjoyed modern three- and four-bedroom houses perfect for raising a family, complete with all the amenities needed for comfortable living.
The company made sure you’d everything you needed, from maintaining the homes to providing a community center where your kids could play and where you’d gather with neighbors for social events.
The development featured excellent views of the water, similar to Table Rock Lake which boasts an impressive 745-mile shoreline.
Like the earlier settlement that housed the first Methodist Church in 1857, Table Rock provided residents with places for worship and community gatherings.
Free Housing Benefits
During Table Rock’s heyday in the late 1970s, Colorado Interstate Gas (CIG) offered its employees an enviable perk – completely free housing.
You’d find yourself living in one of 55 spacious three- or four-bedroom homes, custom-built by the company to accommodate families near the gas processing plant. This free housing benefit meant you’d keep more of your paycheck, skip the headaches of home maintenance costs, and enjoy the convenience of a short commute to work.
The setup provided remarkable economic stability for workers during Wyoming’s energy boom. You’d have access to a community center and neighbors who shared your workplace. Like many place name references, the area needed clear identification to avoid confusion with other similarly named locations.
While you wouldn’t own your home, the trade-off of rent-free living made it worthwhile, especially when housing was scarce in the region. Sadly, the town’s fate was sealed when the homes were demolished by 2011, marking the end of this unique company housing experiment.
Community Services and Support
While Table Rock might’ve been small, its community services revolved around a well-equipped community center that served as the heart of daily life. You’d find this centrally-located facility bustling with social gatherings and recreational activities, fostering strong community engagement among the gas plant workers and their families.
Though the town lacked its own healthcare facilities, you could count on basic first aid support through the company, with more serious medical needs handled in nearby Rock Springs or Wamsutter.
The community’s social cohesion grew naturally from shared experiences in the three- and four-bedroom homes, where families lived rent-free while working for CIG. Daily life centered around the gas plant’s operations, with the company providing essential utilities and infrastructure that kept this tight-knit community running smoothly.
Natural Gas and Industrial Growth
Three major developments shaped Table Rock’s natural gas industry: the establishment of the New York Oil Company in 1913, the construction of essential pipelines in 1920, and the region’s rich geological features in the Lewis Total Petroleum System.
The gas pipeline from Casper connected key production fields like Iron Creek and Poison Spider to growing markets in 1920. The area’s assessed valuation reached $773 million by 1991, reflecting the tremendous growth of natural gas production. You’ll find impressive natural gas reserves here, with production reaching up to 675 billion cubic feet since 1974. The area’s geology is uniquely suited for gas production, featuring sandstone reservoirs deposited in deltaic environments with extensive sand lobes.
The Almond Formation, known locally as “Table Rock sandstone,” has been particularly productive, with its lagoonal and marine deposits creating perfect conditions for gas accumulation. The economic impact was significant enough that Colorado Interstate Gas established Table Rock as a company town in the late 1970s to support the booming development.
Geographic Features and Location
Beyond its natural gas wealth, Table Rock’s distinctive geography sets it apart in Wyoming’s vast landscape. You’ll find this ghost town perched at 6,847 feet in elevation, nestled within the rugged Red Desert Basin along Interstate 80.
The town’s geographic isolation amplifies its frontier character, surrounded by sweeping desert ecosystem vistas that stretch across 6.8 square miles of high plains terrain. Modern visitors can locate the site precisely using its UTM coordinates 12T in mapping applications.
Located between Rock Springs and Wamsutter, Table Rock’s position at 41°37′34″N and 108°23′17″W puts you in prime territory for stargazing, thanks to minimal light pollution.
Nestled in Wyoming’s dark skies between Rock Springs and Wamsutter, Table Rock offers pristine celestial views far from city lights.
The surrounding desert plains showcase ancient rock formations, including the namesake flat-topped mesa that dominates the horizon.
You’re treated to dramatic high-desert scenery, where hardy plants survive in an arid landscape that embodies Wyoming’s untamed spirit.
Population Rise and Fall
You’d have found Table Rock at its liveliest during the late 1970s when Colorado Interstate Gas established it as a company town, providing free homes and amenities that attracted workers and their families until the population peaked at 82 residents in 2000.
The community’s fortunes changed dramatically after El Paso Corp acquired CIG in 2001, followed by Anadarko Petroleum’s purchase in 2003, which led to the town’s closure that July.
By the 2010 census, Table Rock had become a complete ghost town with zero inhabitants remaining.
Peak Company Town Era
During the late 1970s, Table Rock emerged as a strategic company town when Colorado Interstate Gas (CIG) built 55 homes just north of their natural gas processing plant in Wyoming’s Red Desert Basin.
The local labor market couldn’t keep up with the region’s natural gas boom, so CIG took matters into their own hands.
You’d find these perks at Table Rock during its heyday:
- Free housing in spacious three- and four-bedroom homes for workers
- A vibrant community center that brought families together
- Prime location near Interstate 80 for easy plant access
The community dynamics were uniquely Western – tight-knit and independent, with every resident connected to the plant’s operations.
Families forged strong bonds through shared employment and company activities, creating a self-contained community that embodied Wyoming’s resourceful spirit.
Last Residents Move Out
The vibrant community that once defined Table Rock faced a stark reversal in the early 2000s, as its population rapidly dwindled from 82 residents to complete abandonment by 2003.
You’d have witnessed firsthand how economic challenges hit the town hard, with mine closures forcing families to seek opportunities elsewhere. The exodus gained momentum as essential services began disappearing, making daily life increasingly difficult for those who remained.
Unlike some of Wyoming’s other ghost towns that maintain a small presence, Table Rock’s transformation was absolute.
Historic Landmarks and Attractions
Standing as evidence to Wyoming’s frontier spirit, Table Rock’s historic landmarks showcase the raw determination of early settlers through preserved log cabins, restored saloons, and remnants of mining operations.
The ghost town architecture reflects the resourceful nature of frontier life, with structures built from repurposed railroad ties and locally sourced materials.
You’ll discover these must-see historical preservation sites:
- Original wooden structures that tell the story of pioneer resilience and ingenuity
- Mining remnants that highlight Table Rock’s rich mineral heritage and economic backbone
- Carefully restored commercial buildings that once served the bustling mining community
These landmarks provide a raw, unfiltered glimpse into Wyoming’s untamed past, where freedom-seeking settlers carved out their lives in the American West.
The Path to Abandonment
While Table Rock’s historic structures paint a picture of frontier resilience, its modern story reveals how quickly a community can vanish in Wyoming’s ever-changing industrial landscape.
You’ll find the abandonment reasons traced back to 2001 when El Paso Corp. acquired Colorado Interstate Gas, setting off a chain of economic shifts that would seal the town’s fate.
By 2003, Anadarko Petroleum’s takeover of the gas processing plant delivered the final blow – they’d decided against maintaining the company town.
Without corporate support, Table Rock’s free housing and community benefits vanished. You could watch the town empty as families relocated, the population plummeting from 82 to zero in just seven years.
Modern-Day Legacy and Tourism
Despite its abandoned status, Table Rock lives on as a federally recognized historic site where you’ll discover remarkably preserved structures from Wyoming’s industrial past.
Current tourism trends show visitors exploring the town’s authentic layout, complete with its general store, lumber yard, and cream station, all protected to maintain their historical integrity.
To maximize your visitor engagement at Table Rock:
- Pick up a self-guided walking tour map to explore the town’s significant landmarks
- Time your visit during seasonal events featuring historical reenactments and frontier culture celebrations
- Stop by the interpretive exhibits to learn about early settler life and Wyoming’s pioneering spirit
While interior access is limited, you’ll find well-maintained pathways and informative signage that bring the town’s rich mining heritage to life.
Remember to plan around seasonal closures during winter months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Remaining Residents Who Occasionally Return to Table Rock?
You won’t find any resident accounts of folks returning to live there – official records show it’s completely deserted since 2003, though some say there’ve been ghostly sightings in abandoned buildings.
What Wildlife Species Commonly Inhabit the Abandoned Town Area Today?
Like shadows of the past, you’ll spot turkey vultures circling above while ground squirrels dart through ruins. Woodrats build nests in old structures, and coyotes prowl silently through nature’s reclaimed streets.
Has the Town Ever Been Considered for Redevelopment or Industrial Repurposing?
You won’t find much redevelopment potential here since Anadarko’s exit in 2003. There’s been no significant industrial interest, despite county growth plans, and the 2011 demolition removed most usable infrastructure.
What Dangerous Conditions or Hazards Exist for Visitors to Table Rock?
You’ll face hazardous terrain with unstable mine shafts, collapsing structures, and toxic contamination. Don’t forget potential wildlife encounters and extreme weather changes that’ll challenge your survival skills.
Were There Any Notable Crimes or Significant Incidents During the Town’s History?
You won’t find any unsolved mysteries or historical crimes here. Unlike some Wild West towns, this company settlement kept things orderly through its short run from the 1970s to 2003.
References
- http://userpages.aug.com/bdobson/ghost4.html
- https://travelwyoming.com/blog/stories/post/5-wyoming-ghost-towns-you-need-to-explore/
- https://www.wyominghistoryday.org/theme-topics/collections/items/depot-table-rock-wyoming-ca-1890
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_Rock
- https://www.tablerockhistoricalsociety.com/ghost-story-tours.html
- https://www.wyohistory.org/encyclopedia/wyoming-north-and-south-railroad-1923-1935
- https://www.wyohistory.org/encyclopedia/sweetwater-county-wyoming
- http://www.wyomingtalesandtrails.com/sherman3.html
- https://bypassedbyi80.com/county-pages-the-1915-lha-guidebook/sweetwater-county/
- https://www.tablerockhistoricalsociety.com/timeline.html
