Copy of the photograph "Bear River City, Near the Coal Fields" by Andrew J. Russell, 1868

The town was located about 10 miles southeast of Evanston, Wyoming. It is best known for the "Bear River City Riot." On November 19, 1968, after the vigilante lynching of a murder suspect who worked for the railroad, the suspect's friends revolted against the vigilantes. The town erupted in violence with numerous shootouts. Almost the entire town was torched, including most town government buildings. Recently appointed town marshal Thomas J. Smith stood his ground against both factions, but was unable to stop the violence which resulted in 16 deaths. A US Cavalry troop was dispatched from Fort Bridger and martial law was imposed. The town was soon deserted.