In 1994 Powell was one of 10 American communities to earn the title "All-American City." Powell's economy is based on agriculture, education, and oil production.
Powell officially incorporated in 1910. It started as Camp Coulter, headquarters for the Shoshone Reclamation Project, the first federal reclamation program in Wyoming.
Water stored in the Buffalo Bill Reservoir provides irrigation water for the agricultural lands surrounding Powell. The area annually receives less than 8 inches of precipitation.
In 1939, Powell was the focus of national and international attention during a nine day manhunt for fugitive Earl Durand, who was finally killed while robbing First National Bank of Powell.
Northwest College was founded in 1946. It was the second of Wyoming's seven community colleges.
