About Us

Fossil Basin Institute was formed on May 12, 2010 as a non-profit organization under the laws of the state of Wyoming and was granted 501 (C) (3) status by the Internal Revenue Service on September 30, 2011 (EIN 27-3245749). The mission of the Institute is to promote public and scientific interest in the natural and cultural history of Fossil Basin and the surrounding region. On December 24, 2013, the National Park Service formally listed the Fossil, Wyoming Oregon Short Line Depot on the National Register of Historic Places. On May 7, 2018, local rancher Roland B Lewis filed a quitclaim deed transferring the depot ownership and 1.75 acres of land to the Institute.  Restoration of the Depot will not only preserve the depot, one of only two remaining OSL original depots, but also preserve hundreds of traveler’s inscriptions written on the walls and rafters of the freight room.  The restoration work will retain the historic fabric of the depot while making it functional as a field station for visiting university groups conducting field research in Fossil Basin. The Institute board of directors, members, and community volunteers are actively engaged in the restoration work.  

The depot was constructed in 1881 using the standard Union Pacific 24x64 rectangular plan in the old town of Fossil. Due to the grade coming off Hodges Pass, trains regularly missed town and had to back up, so in 1902 the town of Fossil was moved 0.6 miles west to its current location. At this time the depot’s freight room was expanded by 16 feet to handle the increased freight as the population grew in Fossil. Little has been done to the depot since that time.  Since being built in 1881, the Fossil, Wyoming Short Line Railroad Depot, has weathered the harsh environment of southwest Wyoming. The depot was abandoned in 1956 and as with any old building that has not been occupied, used, or maintained regularly, the depot is experiencing deterioration including but not limited to foundation degradation, floor joist failure, and roofing degradation.  Continued deterioration of the structure may ultimately result in possible failure of the structures integrity 

Once restored, the depot will provide a facility to fulfill the Institute's stated mission of advancing scientific investigation in Fossil Basin.  The freight room will serve as a classroom for the nearby school districts, university field programs, and adult education classes. The passenger waiting room will contain a museum showcasing the history of Fossil, Wyoming and its historic inscriptions, while the station manager's office will be a scientific laboratory to study the natural resources of Fossil Basin. 

Paul Kester                             contact: pkester@comcast.net

Robert Bowen                         contact: robert@wyomingfossils.com               

Carol Harwood                       contact:  casharwood@yahoo.com

Paul Kester                              contact: pkester@comcast.net

Allan Harwood                        contact: casharwood@yahoo.com

Grounds: Marcia Fagnant

Webmaster:  Keely Sweeney                contact: paleokeely@gmail.com

Project Supervisor: Dave Harwood