Last weekend I stood at the grave of Nellie Tayloe Ross, Wyoming’s historic first female governor, in Lakeview Cemetery, Cheyenne. Beside her lies the grave of her husband, William B. Ross, the governor she succeeded, making the site a double memorial.

Lakeview Cemetery’s Governor Cluster

Further exploration of the historic burial ground uncovered a total of nine former Wyoming governors interred there. The cemetery’s records, available through the city’s official resources and online databases, provide plot numbers, maps, and photographs for each site.

These governors are:

• Francis E. Warren – served as governor and U.S. senator; Medal of Honor recipient.
• Nellie Tayloe Ross – first female governor of Wyoming and the United States, later director of the U.S. Mint.
• William B. Ross – governor who died in office in 1924, buried beside his wife.
• Joseph M. Carey – former territorial congressman, U.S. senator, and governor.
• DeForest Richards – Wyoming’s fifth governor, died while serving his second term in 1903.
• William A. Richards – the state’s second governor, serving from 1895 to 1899.
• Fenimore Chatterton – acting governor from 1903 to 1905.
• Frank L. Houx – acting governor from 1917 to 1919.
• Robert D. Carey – governor from 1919 to 1923 and son of Joseph M. Carey.

Why the Concentration?

Lakeview Cemetery has long served as Cheyenne’s principal burial site for public officials. Its central location and historic status made it a natural choice for state leaders in the early 20th century, many of whom lived and worked in the capital during their careers.

The presence of multiple governors in one cemetery offers a tangible link to Wyoming’s political heritage. Visitors can walk the grounds and, with the aid of the online plot‑search tool, locate each governor’s marker, learning about the state’s evolution from its frontier beginnings to today.

Visiting the Site

For those interested in exploring this slice of Wyoming history, the city’s cemetery database can be accessed at cheyennewy.gov/lakeview. Enter a governor’s name to receive the exact plot location, a map with directions, and a photograph of the headstone.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, a student of state politics, or a resident looking to honor Wyoming’s leaders, Lakeview Cemetery provides a respectful and educational setting to reflect on the state’s past.

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