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Oddities & Curiosities
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The Rarest Ride in Wyoming: A Story of Two Escalators
Wyoming, the least populous U.S. state, contains only two sets of escalators, both located in Casper bank buildings. This unusual scarcity reflects the state's low population density and preference for low-rise architecture, turning the escalators into a local novelty.
In an age of sprawling megacities and towering skyscrapers, some corners of the world offer a refreshing counter-narrative. Consider Wyoming, the least populous state in the contiguous United States. It's a land of vast plains and rugged mountains, but it is famously sparse in one particular area of modern infrastructure: the escalator. Across its entire 97,818 square miles, the Cowboy State is home to precisely two sets of moving staircases.
The Casper Connection
This isn't an urban legend or an outdated piece of trivia; it's a well-documented curiosity. Both of Wyoming's escalators are located in the city of Casper. You won't find them in a bustling shopping mall or a sprawling airport terminal, but rather within the relatively quiet confines of two separate bank buildings: the First National Bank and another local bank. For a state known for its cowboys and national parks, this mechanical rarity stands out as a peculiar symbol of its unique developmental path.
An Emblem of Horizontal Growth
The scarcity of escalators isn't an oversight but a direct reflection of Wyoming's character. With a population density of just over six people per square mile, the state has never had the demographic pressure to build vertically. The architectural preference has long leaned towards what some affectionately call “prairie-scrapers”—wide, low-rise buildings that expand horizontally across the abundant land. Elevators are common enough, serving necessary accessibility functions in multi-story structures like the state capitol building, but the continuous, high-volume foot traffic that justifies an escalator is virtually nonexistent.
A Destination for the Curious
The status of these two escalators has elevated them from simple conveniences to minor tourist attractions and rites of passage for local children. As former State Representative Stan Cooper noted, it's not uncommon for families to make a special trip just so their kids can experience the novelty of riding one.
It's a big deal for the little kids to come to Casper and ride on the escalator.
This simple act, taken for granted in any major city, becomes a memorable event in Wyoming. It highlights a different pace of life, where the mundane can still inspire a sense of wonder.
Ultimately, the curious case of Wyoming's two escalators is more than just a fun fact. It’s a tangible illustration of the state's identity—one rooted in wide-open spaces, self-reliance, and a scale of life that stands in stark contrast to the relentless verticality of modern urbanism. They are quiet, mechanical reminders that in the Cowboy State, the journey upward is often more deliberate and far less common.