Today, Bear River is a peaceful town in Uinta County, Wyoming, with a population of 522 as of the 2020 census. However, its history is marked by a significant event known as the Bear River City Riot of 1868.

The Boomtown Era

Bear River City was established in 1867 during the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad across the Wyoming Territory. It was one of the many temporary towns that followed the railroad, known as Hell On Wheels towns. These towns were bustling with saloons, gambling tents, and various businesses catering to the railroad workers and fortune seekers.

Located near present-day Evanston, Bear River became a crucial supply point for railroad construction crews and timber operations supporting the Transcontinental Railroad. The population quickly swelled into the thousands.

The Riot of 1868

On November 19, 1868, tensions between vigilantes and suspected outlaws erupted into violence, leading to what is now known as the Bear River City Riot. The conflict began when a murder suspect, who had worked for the railroad, was lynched. Friends of the lynched man, who believed in his innocence, clashed with the vigilantes, resulting in gun battles throughout the settlement.

With only one marshal, Thomas James Smith, to maintain order, the situation quickly escalated. Despite his efforts, the violence led to the torching of nearly the entire town, including private residences and government buildings. When the dust settled, 16 people had lost their lives.

Restoring Order

Some town citizens assisted Marshal Smith in repelling an assault on the town jail, resulting in several rioters being killed. Eventually, federal troops from Fort Bridger were dispatched to restore order, and martial law was imposed.

With the town in ruins and tensions still high, many residents chose to leave Bear River City. Marshal Smith also moved on, continuing his career in law enforcement and eventually becoming the Marshal of Abilene, Kansas, where he earned the nickname “Bear River” Smith for his bravery during the riot.

Today, Bear River is a small community with a Wyoming Downs racetrack, a far cry from its tumultuous past.

Original reporting: K2 Radio (Casper) — read the source article.