In the early to mid-1900s, the coal camps of Reliance, Dines, Winton, and Stansbury emerged from the hillsides and desert in southwestern Wyoming due to the increased need for coal. The miners and their families who came to these coal camps were a true melting pot, bringing with them different races, religions, and customs from all over the world. They forged unique communities and worked and lived harmoniously, depending on one another for survival, entertainment, and camaraderie. Although distanced from one another, the camps were integrated by the mines and activities of the Union Pacific Coal Company, and unified by School District No. 7, which provided the educational foundation for their children. The people who lived in these camps contributed significantly to the development of southwestern Wyoming, the economy of the state, and the welfare of the United States during wartime.

People have existed in southwestern Wyoming for thousands of years, yet most lacked the heartiness to settle there. Fur trappers were among the first to explore the area's natural resources, but more importantly, they mapped the frontier, allowing westward expansion along the Oregon, California, Mormon, Cherokee, and Overland trails. Sweetwater County was formed in 1868, with the organization of the Wyoming Territory, and South Pass City became the county seat. A waning gold industry in South Pass caused the county seat to be relocated to Sweetwater County in 1875. Ironically, the Sweetwater River and South Pass City would end up in Fremont County and, in typical boom-and-bust fashion, gold went out and coal was in. Miners were needed, so coal camps were established and workers ultimately settled in Sweetwater County with their families. In the 1930s, Rock Springs became a melting pot, boasting 56 nationalities at the high school. The oil, natural gas, and mining industries continue this boom-and-bust cycle even today.

This work reflects part of the history of Wyoming coal mining. Much more needs to be written. To those that have produced written histories, historical overviews, and manuscripts we cited here, we extend thanks. To the archaeologists and historians who are studying Wyoming's past and attempting to preserve its lasting legacy, we applaud your efforts. The flight of time is not complete, but the history that has passed shows coal miners will be a part of the future. To those that are attempting to preserve the mining history of Wyoming and the West, we are grateful. And to men such as Steven Creasman and Gary Beach, who have the courage to dream and the willingness to persevere in attempting to save America's past, thank you. With the help of such unselfish individuals this work has been strengthened, but the responsibilities of accuracy fall to the authors alone.

In the early to mid-1900s, the coal camps of Reliance, Dines, Winton, and Stansbury emerged from the hillsides and desert in southwestern Wyoming due to the increased need for coal. The miners and their families who came to these coal camps were a true melting pot, bringing with them different races, religions, and customs from all over the world. They forged unique communities and worked and lived harmoniously, depending on one another for survival, entertainment, and camaraderie. Although distanced from one another, the camps were integrated by the mines and activities of the Union Pacific Coal Company, and unified by School District No. 7, which provided the educational foundation for their children. The people who lived in these camps contributed significantly to the development of southwestern Wyoming, the economy of the state, and the welfare of the United States during wartime.