Douglas
One of the town's rowdiest characters was George Pike, a cowhand whose rustling habits were so well-known that the cattle companies decided to hire him so he would at least benefit his current employer. One company thought so highly of Pike that at his death it erected an expensive tombstone with the following inscription:
Underneath this stone in eternal rest, Sleeps the wildest one of the wayward west. He was a gambler and sport and cowboy, too, And he led the pace in an outlaw crew. He was sure on the trigger and staid to the end, But was never known to quit on a friend. In the relations of death all mankind's alike, But in life there was only one George Pike.
Douglas also is said to be the original home of the “jackalope,” a fanciful creation of Wyoming's taxidermists. Doubters are confronted with dozens of convincing mounted specimens of this animal—best described as a jackrabbit sporting antlers—displayed throughout the state. A 10-foot replica of the “hybrid” stands downtown in Centennial Jackalope Square at 3rd and Center streets and at the Douglas Area Chamber of Commerce, which is housed in a historic train depot.
Scenic River Path, running along the bank of the North Platte River in downtown, offers 2.5 miles of trails for walking, bicycling and observing nature. The river also provides opportunities for trout fishing, canoeing and float trips. Washington Park contains the burial monument of racehorse Sir Barton, the first triple crown winner in the United States.
The Wyoming State Fair, off I-25 adjacent to the town’s business district, occurs for 8 days in mid-August. Visitors can enjoy livestock and horticultural exhibits as well as a demolition derby and rodeos; for information phone (307) 358-2398.
Visitor Centers
Douglas Area Chamber of Commerce 121 Brownfield Rd. Douglas, WY 82633. Phone:(307)358-2950