Exploring the City Of Sheridan

The City of Sheridan refers to multiple cities in the United States that share the same name. Specifically there are three prominent cities called Sheridan located in Colorado, Oregon and Wyoming. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these three Sheridan cities, including their history, attractions, and key facts.

Sheridan, Colorado

Sheridan is a suburb located southwest of Denver in Arapahoe County, Colorado. Founded in 1891, it was named after Civil War general Philip H. Sheridan. Some key facts about Sheridan, CO:

• Population: 6,038 (2020 Census)
• Area: 1.6 square miles
• Main Industries: Light manufacturing, retail
• Attractions: Sheridan Recreation Center, Oxford Park

Sheridan is a small residential community known for its family-friendly atmosphere. The historic downtown area along Federal Boulevard features local shops restaurants, and bars. Major employers include Terumo BCT a medical device manufacturer, and Lutheran Medical Center. Parks and outdoor recreation are also popular activities.

The city government consists of a mayor and 6 city council members. Sheridan is part of the Littleton Public School District and has one public high school, Sheridan High School. Police services are provided by the Sheridan Police Department.

Sheridan, Oregon

Sheridan is a city in Yamhill County, Oregon, about 18 miles southwest of Portland. It was named by its founder, Daniel Chaplin, in honor of Civil War general Philip Sheridan. Some quick facts:

• Population: 6,245 (2020 Census)
• Area: 1.75 square miles
• Main Industries: Manufacturing, food processing, agriculture
• Attractions: Sheridan Museum of History, Stoney Mountain Reservoir

Sheridan was incorporated in 1880 and grew as an agricultural community known for farming and nurseries. Several large food processing plants operate there today, including Oregon Potato Company and Farmer’s Best Berries. The historic downtown has antique shops and restaurants housed in original brick buildings.

The city government is led by a mayor and six-member city council. The Sheridan School District oversees 3 public schools. Police services are contracted through the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheridan, Wyoming

Sheridan is the fourth largest city in Wyoming, located near the Bighorn Mountains. It was named after Civil War general Philip Sheridan and incorporated in 1884. Key facts:

• Population: 18,367 (2020 Census)
• Area: 9.5 square miles
• Main Industries: Energy, agriculture, tourism, education
• Attractions: Kendrick Park, Trail End State Historic Site, Sheridan County Museum

Originally a ranching and mining town, present-day Sheridan has a diversified economy based on energy production, agriculture, manufacturing, education and tourism. Major employers include the VA Medical Center, Little Goose Power Plant, and Sheridan College. Downtown offers shops, restaurants and arts attractions like the WYO Theater.

Sheridan has a mayor-council form of government. The Sheridan County School District #2 provides K-12 public education. Police services are handled by the Sheridan Police Department.

Similarities Between the Cities

Despite being located in different states, the three Sheridan cities share some commonalities:

• All were named after General Philip Sheridan of Civil War fame.
• They each have historic downtown areas that serve as community centers.
• Agriculture and energy production play a role in their local economies.
• Mayors and city councils lead the municipal governments.
• Public recreation facilities like community centers and parks are important assets.

However, there are also noticeable differences between them, mainly related to size and industries. For instance, Sheridan, Wyoming is significantly larger in population compared to Sheridan, Oregon and Sheridan, Colorado. The Wyoming city has a more diversified economy while Oregon’s is focused on agriculture and Colorado’s on manufacturing and retail.

Attractions and Things to Do

Each Sheridan city offers its own unique attractions and activities for visitors and residents.

Sheridan, Colorado

• Stroll through the shops and restaurants in the historic downtown district along Federal Blvd.
• Visit Oxford Park for tennis courts, athletic fields, and an outdoor pool.
• Stop by the Sheridan Recreation Center for indoor basketball, volleyball, classes, and a fitness center.
• Try local eateries like Fiesta Jalisco, India’s Castle, and Tom’s Diner.

Sheridan, Oregon

• Learn about the city’s history at the Sheridan Museum of History.
• Rent a kayak or paddleboard at Stoney Mountain Reservoir.
• Browse antique stores and eateries in the pedestrian-friendly downtown area.
• Tour the production facility of Oregon Potato Company, a major local employer.
• Attend a summer concert or festival at Rock Creek Park.

Sheridan, Wyoming

• Visit the historic Trail End State Historic Site, a former mansion and gallery.
• View exhibits on regional history and culture at the Sheridan County Museum.
• Attend a performance or film screening at the historic WYO Theater.
• Go hiking, biking or camping in the nearby Bighorn National Forest.
• Shop and dine in the charming downtown district along Main Street.
• Tour local ranches and farms to learn about Sheridan’s agricultural heritage.

Moving Forward in the 21st Century

While proud of their past, the cities of Sheridan are also focused on progress and revitalization. Recent initiatives include:

Sheridan, Colorado:

• Adding LED light displays and holiday decorations to City Hall to highlight community events.
• Promoting the city’s family-friendly atmosphere to attract new residents and businesses.

Sheridan, Oregon:

• Upgrading water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Revitalizing the historic downtown with façade improvement grants.
• Developing the Stoney Mountain Recreation Site.

Sheridan, Wyoming:

• Investing in pathways, public arts and downtown redevelopment.
• Expanding Sheridan College’s programs to train students for local careers.
• Growing the tourism, hospitality and recreation sectors of the economy.

The Sheridan cities aim to preserve their rich histories while also preparing for the future. They strive to maintain their small-town charm and sense of community even as they evolve.

Why “Sheridan”?

One may wonder why multiple cities across different states chose “Sheridan” as their name. This shared name honors Philip Henry Sheridan, a prominent Union general during the American Civil War. Some key facts about General Sheridan:

• Born in Albany, NY in 1831.
• Graduated from West Point and assigned to infantry duty.
• Rose to prominence commanding forces in the Western Theater.
• Oversaw decisive campaigns like Chattanooga and Shenandoah Valley.
• Promoted to General-in-Chief of the U.S. Army in 1883.
• Served as commanding general of the Military Division of the Missouri.
• Died in 1888 and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

General Sheridan was considered a Northern hero of the Civil War and later served during Western expansion. He was admired for his bold tactics and skilled battlefield leadership. As a result, Sheridan became a popular choice to name towns and cities after, especially in the late 19th century as the West was settled. The three cities profiled continue to honor his legacy through their shared Sheridan namesake.

Final Thoughts

While unaffiliated politically, the cities of Sheridan, Colorado, Sheridan, Oregon, and Sheridan, Wyoming share deep roots through their common name origin. They each boast attractive downtowns, recreational opportunities, and proud community members. However, they also have distinct sizes, industries, attractions and municipal priorities. When visiting a Sheridan city, be sure to delve into its local culture and history to appreciate what makes it unique. With their blend of frontier spirit and 21st century vision, the Sheridans reflect the diversity and progress of small-town America.