History And Directory Of Laramie City, Wyoming Territory, Comprising A Brief History Of Laramie City From Its First Settlement To The Present Time, Together With Sketches Of The Characteristics And Resources Of The Surrounding Country; Including A Minute Description Of A Portion Of The Mining Region Of The Black Hills. Also A General And Business Directory Of Laramie City

J. H. TRIGGS

Publication: Daily Sentinel Print, 1875, Laramie City

First edition. 8vo. Original blue wrappers printed in black, 91 pp., advertisements scattered throughout. Despite its violent and ugly beginnings, described in detail in the first few pages, Laramie by this time is represented as a well-ordered and prosperous city. Unlike Triggs’ other work concerning Cheyenne, this work contains its latter part, being a fascinating ‘general directory’ of the populace, which captures a valuable snapshot of the residents who comprised the town. Not surprisingly, a large number of them are employed in the building trades or other manual labor. Of equal interest is the fact that a good percentage of the residents are employed by the railroad in such occupations as engineers, brakemen, or firemen. The directory also identifies a few dozen ‘colored citizens’ who resided there.. Almost all were confined to menial jobs such as waiters or cooks. There were also a few women in the more genteel occupations such as dressmakers. Adams Six Guns 2239: "This exceedingly rare imprint gives a frank history of Laramie in its turbulent days and reign of violence." Adams Herd 2332: "Very rare." Eberstadt 136:667h. "A history of the region from the day of first settlement in April of 1868. It has long been recognized by students of western history as probably the most honest, outspoken, and vivid account of the early and turbulent days. Laramie was famous for its disorder, crime and rapid growth Triggs describes the horde that first came in, as made up of one-fifth honest and daring men, the balance 'were gamblers, thieves, highwaymen, robbers, cut-throats, garroters, prostitutes, and their necessary companions.' The narrative describes the ensuing mass-meeting to form a government; its organization and collapse; the reign of violence; the formation of the Vigilance Committee and the hangings; its degeneration into a Reign of Vengeance; the final creation of legal government; the battles between the Vigilantes and the new police, and succeeding events, until finally the Territorial legislature in desperation, took away the city's charter, and put the community under the jurisdiction of the Federal courts." A fine, bright, tight copy of a very scarce to rare item. Housed in a two-tone quarter leather and marbled boards clamshell case with titles stamped in gilt on the spine.

Inventory Number: 51285