Curt Gowdy, the renowned American sportscaster, maintained a deep and abiding connection to his native Wyoming throughout his life. Born in Green River, Wyoming, on July 31, 1919, Gowdy's early experiences in the state profoundly shaped his character and passions. This connection was not merely geographical; it was a fundamental part of his identity, influencing his love for the outdoors and ultimately leading to significant honors bestowed upon him
by his home state, including a state park and a post office building bearing his name.
Early Life and Outdoor Passions
Gowdy's upbringing in Wyoming instilled in him a profound appreciation for nature and outdoor activities. He often remarked that he was "born with a fly-rod in one hand," indicating that his passion for fishing and hunting predated his illustrious career in sports broadcasting. He credited his father, Edward Curtis Gowdy, with teaching him these skills, describing him as the best fly-fisherman in the state. For Gowdy, the outdoors was not just a hobby but a fundamental "way of life," offering "free access to prime-time fishing and hunting."
This deep-seated love for the natural world was a constant throughout his life. Even as his career took him to national stages, his roots in Wyoming remained strong. He once humorously suggested that he should have paid to host "The American Sportsman" because of how much he enjoyed being in the outdoors. This sentiment underscores the genuine and personal connection he had with the landscapes and activities that defined his early years in the Cowboy State.
A State Park in His Honor
Wyoming recognized Gowdy's contributions and his love for the state by naming a significant natural area after him. Curt Gowdy State Park, which opened in 1971, was officially dedicated in his honor on March 27, 1972, as part of a statewide "Curt Gowdy Day." This expansive 11,000-acre park is situated conveniently between Cheyenne, his high school hometown, and Laramie, his college town, making it a central tribute to his life.
Gowdy expressed immense pride in this honor, highlighting the park's features: "It has two beautiful lakes, hiking trails, camping, boating, fishing, and beauty. It has everything I love. What greater honor can a man receive?" The park serves as a living testament to his passion for conservation and outdoor recreation. In 2013, on what would have been his 94th birthday, an interpretive center was opened at the park. This 7,400-square-foot facility, featuring exhibits on the park's history and Gowdy's efforts to preserve natural resources, was lauded by Milward Simpson, director of the Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources Department, as a monument to Gowdy's "fantastic legacy."
Commemorating His Birthplace
Further solidifying his connection to Wyoming, the United States Postal Service building in Green River, Gowdy's birthplace, was officially designated the "Curt Gowdy Post Office Building" on October 12, 2006. This legislative act, introduced by Wyoming House Representative Barbara Cubin, honored the place of his birth and acknowledged his enduring impact. These tributes collectively demonstrate how deeply Curt Gowdy's identity was intertwined with Wyoming, a relationship that continued to be celebrated long after his passing in 2006.
