U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis, John Barrasso, and Representative Harriet Hageman have introduced legislation to rename the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper as the “Barbara L. Cubin National Historic Trails Interpretive Center.” This initiative seeks to honor the legacy of Barbara Cubin, who was Wyoming’s first female representative in the U.S. Congress.
Senator Lummis emphasized Cubin’s role as a trailblazer for American women and her influence on western values. “Wyoming, the Equality State, has produced remarkable trailblazers who shaped the path forward for American women, and Barbara Cubin stands firmly among them,” she stated. Lummis expressed pride in continuing Cubin’s legacy through this legislation.
Senator Barrasso highlighted Cubin’s leadership and dedication to Wyoming: “As the first woman to represent Wyoming in the U.S. Congress, Barbara Cubin demonstrated incredible leadership and strength. Her dedication to the people of Wyoming will never be forgotten.”
Representative Hageman noted Cubin’s contribution to preserving Wyoming’s history: “Barbara Cubin set a standard for public service that continues to inspire us all,” she said. Hageman praised Cubin’s efforts in establishing the center that preserves western migration stories.
The center was established by Rep. Barbara Cubin in 1998 through successful legislation aimed at telling stories of westward migration in the United States. It operates under a public-private partnership involving the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Historic Trails Center Foundation, and City of Casper.
Cubin served as a founding member of the Congressional Western Caucus and represented Wyoming from 1995 until 2009.
