Laramie is located in
Albany County and it is the county seat. It lies in southeast Wyoming along Interstate 80, on the banks of the Laramie River near Ames Monument.
The future townsite was traversed by various adventurers, including French trapper Jacques La Ramie; the city is named after him. Laramie grew after the railroad arrived here in 1868 and it was incorporated in 1874. The University of Wyoming was established here in 1886.
Today Laramie, pop. 27,204, is a transportation and commercial hub for a timber-producing and ranching area. Tourism also contributes to its economy. Attractions include the striking University of Wyoming Art Museum, designed by acclaimed architect Antoine Predock; U.S. Marshals Museum, featuring the exhibit, "America's Star: U.S. Marshals, 1789-1989;" and Frontier Town, with living history characters. Laramie River Greenbelt, an interface between nature and the community; and Medicine Bow National Forest, are nearby.