Legends of the Historic Plains Hotel

2006, Cheyenne, Wyoming … In the late 1800s, the city of Cheyenne was called “The Magic City of the Plains.” It was only appropriate that when a luxurious hotel opened in 1911, it was named the Plains Hotel. The concept of the elegant hotel was born at the annual $1 dinner of the Industrial Club, now the Chamber of Commerce, in December 1909.

In the midst of the meeting, Thomas Heaney, club President, interrupted the other discussions to give his opinion that Cheyenne was badly in need of a new and modern hotel. At the time, the main hotel in town was one called the Inter-Ocean which, over time had become outdated and had taken on the more of a role as the city’s principal watering hole.

Though Heaney had said this in a somewhat joking fashion, the other men agreed and by February of the following year, the Cheyenne Securities Company was organized for the purpose of building a new hotel. Moving quickly, the hotel was designed by architect William Dubois and in March, a contract was awarded to build it. Construction started in June 1910 and by March 1911, it was completed at a cost of about $250,000, including furnishings.

On March 9, 1911, the hotel hosted an elaborate grand opening that was attended by men in full evening dress, gallant Army Officers and a host of elegantly gowned ladies. As a band played until the wee hours of the morning, the guests danced and admired the magnificent appointments and furnishings of the new hotel, modern to the smallest detail.

The hotel soon attracted numerous cattle barons, oil tycoons, and the many travelers making their way to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. Guests raved about the amenities and service provided at the hotel. But for one couple, their stay would end in tragedy.

According to legend, a bride named Rosie and her new groom checked into the hotel on their honeymoon. The story goes that the bride caught her new husband with a prostitute and shot them both before turning the gun on herself. Rosie, the bitter bride, allegedly wanders the hotel’s second floor in a blue gown.

For travelers who enjoy haunting tales, Wyoming is full of morbid must-see sites. Here on a once-harsh frontier, people often met early and sometimes violent deaths, and the restless ghosts of pioneers and outlaws are said to mingle with the souls of the living.

Information in this document was compiled from the book, “The Historic Plains Hotel,” which is available for purchase in the Trail Coffee Shoppe in the main lobby of the hotel, as well as www.legendsofamerica.com and “High Plains Hauntings” by Julie Fanselow on the Wyoming Official State Travel Web site, www.wyomingtourism.org.