The city of Riverton formed only two weeks before the railroad reached it when land in the area opened to new residents under the Homestead Act.

The railroad spurred economic development in the region by exporting agricultural products and oil and creating demand for the local coal and lumber industries.

When the railroad industry declined after World War II, the Chicago and North Western gradually decreased its service west of Casper, and by 1974 it was prepared to demolish the Riverton station as well.

A group of Riverton residents instead bought and restored the depot, which now houses businesses.

Some claim that the depot is the last surviving Chicago and North Western station west of Casper,[2] but, although modified, the Lander station (the end of track for the C&NW's westward expansion), still stands and is currently home to the Lander Chamber of Commerce.