December 8, 2020

The Friends of South Pass and South Pass City State Historic Site have received a $20,000 grant from the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund to restore the historic Smith Sherlock General Store at South Pass City. 

Constructed in 1895, the Smith Sherlock Store was the flagship business of Janet Sherlock Smith.  Janet was a founder of South Pass City arriving in the gold rush of 1869.  A strong-willed leader, she lived in SPC until her death in 1923.  She and her family would eventually own and run a diverse group of businesses including hotels, mercantiles, saloons and mining operations.  The Sherlock Family would run the Smith Sherlock store well into the 20th century. 

The restoration will include reproduction of the large storefront windows, restoration of the 1904 telephone system and installation of the 1913 electrical lighting.  Exhibits will focus on the period of 1900 to 1915 when the store was the supply hub for the whole Sweetwater Region.  Modern visitors will be able to have a hands- on experience of shopping for groceries and sundries at the turn of the last century. 

Matching funds will be provided by the State Parks and Historic Site Special Revenue Funds.  These funds are gathered from admissions and fees from state parks and historic sites.  Restorations like this are an example of how visitor’s fees are put to work.  In addition, the store will receive a new roof to help preserve the building and exhibits.

The restoration will be completed in May of 2021.

For more information contact Joe Ellis, Superintendent, South Pass City State Historic Site This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 307-332-3684 or 307-349-9349.