Washakie County, Wyoming

Overview and name

The county is named for Chief Washakie, a prominent leader of the Shoshone people. Its landscape lies within the broader Bighorn Basin region and provides a mix of irrigated valleys, rangelands and nearby uplands that support ranching, farming and outdoor pursuits. Basic state-level context is available at Wyoming state resources.

Economy and land use

Agriculture and livestock remain important to the local economy, supplemented by energy production, services in Worland, and tourism tied to hunting, fishing and scenic access. Transportation and regional connections rely on several state and federal routes that link communities; demographic and economic statistics can be checked via the census.

History and government

Organized in the early 20th century, the county grew out of settlement patterns tied to irrigation projects and ranching. Local government provides standard county services from the seat in Worland; more on the county seat is available at Worland information. Historical context about settlement and Indigenous associations is summarized in regional histories and tribal sources, including material about Chief Washakie available through cultural repositories (history resources).

• County seat: Worland
• Founded: February 21, 1911
• Named for: Chief Washakie, Shoshone leader
• Primary activities: Agriculture, energy, outdoor recreation

Visitors and researchers often use county records, local museums and state archives for detailed maps, land records and historical documents. Local conservation areas and public lands also draw visitors interested in Wyoming's high plains and mountain-edge environments.