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Cheyenne, Wyoming

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Cheyenne is the capital city of Wyoming. It is also the state's most populous city.

Cheyenne highway map
Cheyenne highway map

The city sits near the southeast corner of Wyoming. It is located near the northern terminus of the Southern Rocky Mountain Front. Two streams, Crow Creek and Dry Creek, flow through the area. The Cheyenne metropolitan area includes all of Laramie County. This region has an estimated 102,000 residents. The city itself had a population of 65,132 at the 2020 census.

The city's climate is classified as cold semi-arid. This means the area is generally dry and experiences significant temperature changes.

Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020) - Cheyenne Area, WY(ThreadEx)
Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020) - Cheyenne Area, WY(ThreadEx)

Winters are cold and can be moderately long. However, the cold is often interrupted by chinook winds. These winds blow downslope from the Rocky Mountains. They can bring warm conditions for about twenty days between December and February. Summers are warm and feature a high diurnal temperature range. This term describes the difference between daily high and low temperatures. July averages a high of 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The city receives about 2,067 hours of sunshine every year.

Cheyenne has a unique history tied to the railroad. The city was established in 1867 within the Dakota Territory. Grenville M. Dodge of the Union Pacific Railroad selected the townsite. He chose the location near a planned bridge over Crow Creek. At the same time, Major General Christopher C. Augur chose a site for a U.S. Army fort. This fort was meant to protect the railroad. The town was named Cheyenne after the Cheyenne Native American people. The city grew so rapidly that it earned the nickname "Magic City of the Plains."

Political history also shaped the city's identity. In 1869, the Wyoming Territorial Legislature met in Cheyenne. Territorial Governor John Allen Campbell arrived in May of that year. He named Cheyenne the temporary territorial capital. On December 10, 1869, the legislature passed a historic act. This act granted women the right to vote. This made Wyoming the first U.S. territory to grant women suffrage. When Wyoming became a state in 1890, Cheyenne remained the capital. The Wyoming State Capitol was built between 1886 and 1890.

The military has played a major role in the local economy. The United States Army established Fort D. A. Russell in 1867. This fort was originally a cavalry encampment. In 1930, it was renamed Fort Francis E. Warren. It honored the first Governor of Wyoming. In October 1949, the site became Francis E. Warren Air Force Base.

VFW, Cheyenne, Wyoming LCCN2017706259
VFW, Cheyenne, Wyoming LCCN2017706259

The Cheyenne Regional Airport also has a military history. It opened in 1920 to serve airmail. During World War II, the airfield upgraded many B-17 and B-24 planes. Today, the airport serves military functions and civilian aircraft testing.

Modern Cheyenne relies on several economic sectors. Government services and transportation are major anchors. The military presence remains very significant. There is also emerging growth in data centers and renewable energy. The city's population is diverse. In 2020, the census showed that 16.3% of residents were Hispanic or Latino. The largest racial group was White at 79.4%.

LionsPark
LionsPark

The median age of residents was 37.6 years. Most residents live in urban areas.

Cultural traditions are a vital part of life in Cheyenne. The city hosts Cheyenne Frontier Days. This is a longstanding rodeo and cultural event.

Bulldogging a steer, Cheyenne Frontier Days cph.3b03105
Bulldogging a steer, Cheyenne Frontier Days cph.3b03105

Visitors can also explore the Wyoming State Museum. The Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum is another local institution. These sites help preserve the history of the region. The city remains a central hub for the state's culture and government.

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File:Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020) - Cheyenne Area, WY(ThreadEx).svg
Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020) -...
File:Bulldogging a steer, Cheyenne Frontier Days cph.3b03105.jpg
Bulldogging a steer, Cheyenne Frontier...
VFW, Cheyenne, Wyoming LCCN2017706259.tif
File:LionsPark.jpg
LionsPark.jpg
File:Cheyenne highway map.svg
Cheyenne highway map.svg
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