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Wyoming

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Wyoming is a large state in the western United States.

Wyoming ref 2001
Wyoming ref 2001

It sits in a region called the Mountain West. The state is bordered by many neighbors. Montana is to the north and northwest. South Dakota and Nebraska are to the east. Idaho is to the west. Utah is to the southwest and Colorado is to the south.

Counties of Wyoming, July 24, 2025
Counties of Wyoming, July 24, 2025

Wyoming is the tenth-largest state by area. However, it is the least populous state in the country. As of 2024, about 587,618 people live there. The capital city is Cheyenne, which is also the most populous city.

CheyenneWyoming
CheyenneWyoming

The land changes a lot depending on where you go. The western half of the state is filled with mountain ranges. These peaks are part of the Rocky Mountains.

Barns grand tetons
Barns grand tetons

You can find the Teton, Wind River, and Big Horn mountains here. The highest point is Gannett Peak in the Wind River Range. The eastern half of the state is very different. It consists of high, flat areas called the High Plains.

Autumn in the Bighorn Mountains
Autumn in the Bighorn Mountains

The climate is often dry and windy. Some areas are so dry they are almost like deserts. Temperatures can also change very quickly between day and night.

Many people have traveled through this land over a long time. Indigenous groups like the Crow and Shoshone lived here for thousands of years.

Tribes Wyoming 2020
Tribes Wyoming 2020

Later, French-Canadian trappers came to the region for trade. Pioneers also moved through the state on trails like the Oregon Trail. These travelers used paths like South Pass to reach the west coast. In 1867, the Transcontinental Railroad arrived in southern Wyoming. This railroad helped new towns grow, including Cheyenne.

Alfred Jacob Miller - Fort Laramie - Walters 37194049
Alfred Jacob Miller - Fort Laramie - Walters 37194049

The Wyoming Territory was officially formed in 1868.

Wyoming became the 44th state on July 10, 1890.

3c Wyoming Statehood 50th anniversary, 1940 issue
3c Wyoming Statehood 50th anniversary, 1940 issue

It has a very special history regarding rights. Wyoming was the first territory to let women vote in 1869. It was also the first state to let women hold elected office. In 1924, Wyoming elected its first female governor, Nellie Tayloe Ross. Because of this, the state is called "The Equality State." Its official motto is "Equal Rights."

State of Wyoming logo
State of Wyoming logo

Today, many people visit Wyoming for its amazing nature. The federal government owns nearly half of the state's land.

Map Wyoming NPS sites USA
Map Wyoming NPS sites USA

This land includes Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. These parks protect many forests and wildlife refuges. People also come to see the beautiful Indian paintbrush flowers.

Indian Paintbrush in Grand Teton NP-NPS
Indian Paintbrush in Grand Teton NP-NPS

The state's economy relies on tourism and mining. They mine things like coal, oil, and natural gas.

Wyoming Coal production
Wyoming Coal production

They also raise livestock and grow crops like wheat and barley.

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🖼️ Images & Media (30)
WyomingStateSong_arranged_by_Jack_Ryan_Morris.ogg
File:Alfred Jacob Miller - Fort Laramie - Walters 37194049.jpg
Alfred Jacob Miller - Fort Laramie -...
File:3c Wyoming Statehood 50th anniversary, 1940 issue.jpg
3c Wyoming Statehood 50th anniversary,...
File:Köppen Climate Types Wyoming.png
Köppen Climate Types Wyoming.png
File:Autumn in the Bighorn Mountains.JPG
Autumn in the Bighorn Mountains.JPG
File:Barns grand tetons.jpg
Barns grand tetons.jpg
File:Cattle Drive near Pinedale, WY (14963962303).jpg
Cattle Drive near Pinedale, WY (14963962303).jpg
File:Counties of Wyoming, July 24, 2025.png
Counties of Wyoming, July 24, 2025.png
File:CheyenneWyoming.jpg
CheyenneWyoming.jpg
File:Casperskyline.jpg
Casperskyline.jpg
File:DowntownRawlins.jpg
DowntownRawlins.jpg
File:Grand Targhee Ski Resort, February 2021.jpg
Grand Targhee Ski Resort, February 2021.jpg

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