Wyoming’s governors have shaped the state’s political, economic, and social development since 1869. From territorial days through modern times, these leaders have navigated challenges ranging from economic depressions and energy booms to federal-state relations and natural resource management. The Historic Governors’ Mansion in Cheyenne, built in 1904, served as home to 19 of Wyoming’s first families until 1976, when a new residence was built near Frontier Park.
These oral history interviews capture the perspectives of Wyoming governors who served during pivotal periods in the state’s history. The interviews document their experiences with the Wyoming Legislature, their approaches to executive leadership, and their handling of major policy issues, including water rights, mineral taxation, environmental regulation, and the relationship between state and federal government.
Time Period Covered: 1950s–2000s
Project Partners:
Oral history interviews with Hansen, Hathaway, Herschler, and Simpson were conducted by John T. Hinckley in 1977 and are housed at the Wyoming State Archives. The 2019 interview with Sullivan was conducted by Tom Rea of WyoHistory.org in partnership with the Casper College Western History Center.
For more information about Wyoming oral histories, visit the Wyoming Oral History Project.
