Wyoming, known as the “Equality State” and the “Cowboy State,” is located in the western United States. It is known for its wide-open spaces, stunning landscapes, and rich history. Here are some fun facts about Wyoming:
- Statehood: Wyoming became the 44th state on July 10, 1890.
- State nicknames: Wyoming is called the “Equality State” because of its early adoption of women’s suffrage and the “Cowboy State” due to its association with cowboy culture and history.
- State symbols: The state bird is the western meadowlark, the state flower is the Indian paintbrush, and the state mammal is the American bison.
- Yellowstone National Park: Established in 1872, Yellowstone is the world’s first national park, known for its geothermal features, such as the famous Old Faithful geyser, as well as its diverse wildlife, including bears, wolves, and bison.
- Grand Teton National Park: This national park is home to the stunning Teton Range, a subrange of the Rocky Mountains, and offers numerous opportunities for hiking, climbing, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor activities.
- Devils Tower National Monument: Devils Tower is a striking geological formation that rises 867 feet above the surrounding landscape. It was the first United States National Monument, established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906.
- Women’s suffrage: Wyoming was the first territory and state to grant women the right to vote, doing so in 1869. This progressive move earned Wyoming the nickname “The Equality State.”
- Cheyenne Frontier Days: Cheyenne, the capital of Wyoming, hosts the annual Cheyenne Frontier Days, one of the largest and oldest rodeos in the world. The event celebrates Wyoming’s cowboy culture and history with rodeo competitions, concerts, parades, and more.
- The Red Desert: This high-altitude desert in south-central Wyoming covers approximately 9,320 square miles and features unique geological formations, such as the Killpecker Sand Dunes and Boar’s Tusk, a volcanic neck.
- The Wind River Indian Reservation: The reservation is home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes and covers more than 2.2 million acres in central Wyoming. It offers opportunities to learn about Native American history and culture.
- The Wyoming Dinosaur Center: Located in Thermopolis, this center showcases numerous dinosaur fossils, including a Supersaurus nicknamed “Jimbo” and an Archaeopteryx, one of the most important fossils in the world.
- Lowest population: Wyoming has the smallest population of any U.S. state, which contributes to its wide-open spaces and low population density.
These fun facts about Wyoming highlight the state’s stunning landscapes, unique attractions, and rich history, making it an exciting place to explore.