Superior

FACT: Formally known as Superior and South Superior, but when Union Pacific changed to diesel engines to move freight, the coalmines gradually closed and the towns declined, and then combined into one community.

Superior and South Superior once were thriving communities, fueled by the Union Pacific Coal Mines. When the Union Pacific changed to diesel engines to move freight, the mines gradually
closed and the towns declined, and then combined into one community. There were at one time nine mines in the Superior area. The most efficient and the last to close was the D.O. Clark mine, which was the largest producing mine west of the Mississippi.

The Union Pacific Mines, in addition to the D.O. Clark, were lettered – A, B, C, D, and E; those mines independent of the U.P. were the Copenhagen, the Premier and the Superior-Rock. Thousands of miners were once employed by these mines, and small communities grew around them. Superior was entirely owned by the Union Pacific; South Superior was privately owned as a complete community and included shops, bars, restaurants and a theater. The remains of the business establishments can be seen along Main Street today.

Come see the restored Union Hall, once the largest union structure in the west; the Copenhagen Tipple, remains of several other mines, and a nice museum located in the former elementary school building.

Getting There

From I-80, take the Superior exit and travel north on State Highway 371 for nine miles. Upon arrival into town, first stop at the Old Union Hall, the first large building as you enter town. The interpretive park will help explain Superior’s past and present.

For more information visit:
www.superiorwyoming.net