Embark on a captivating journey through Wyoming’s history, a tale rich with frontier spirit, groundbreaking achievements, and the untamed beauty of the American West. From its earliest explorations to its pivotal role in national development, the history of Wyoming is a testament to perseverance and progress. This comprehensive overview delves into the significant milestones that shaped the Cowboy State, offering an authoritative look at its past.
The Dawn of Exploration and the Fur Trade Era
The vast landscapes of what would become Wyoming first saw European explorers in 1743, when the Verendrye brothers ventured into the region. Decades later, a significant political shift occurred in 1803 with the United States’ Louisiana Purchase, which formally incorporated this expansive territory into the burgeoning nation.
A pivotal figure in early exploration was John Colter, fresh from the Lewis and Clark expedition. Between 1807 and 1808, Colter’s explorations led him to be the first European to witness the extraordinary geyser basins of the Yellowstone ecosystem, a place he famously dubbed “Colter’s Hell” in his written accounts, giving an early glimpse into the area that would later become a national treasure. The early 19th century also marked the beginning of crucial westward routes. In 1811, Wilson Price Hunt’s Astorians blazed a trail through Wyoming, which would later evolve into sections of the renowned Oregon Trail. Robert Stuart and his returning Astorians further solidified these paths between 1811 and 1812, crossing the Continental Divide near South Pass and constructing what is believed to be Wyoming’s first known cabin on the North Platte River.
The 1820s ushered in the vibrant era of the fur trade. In 1822, William Ashley initiated a revolutionary approach to fur trading, foregoing permanent forts for annual rendezvous points. His men, including legendary figures like Jim Bridger, rediscovered South Pass in 1824. The fur trade rendezvous, beginning in earnest in 1825, transformed the Green River area into a lively hub for trappers, traders, and Native Americans. Ashley’s wagons, laden with supplies, were among the first vehicles to traverse the challenging Western terrain, carving out essential routes. In 1832, Captain B.L.E. Bonneville successfully guided the first wagons through South Pass and established Fort Bonneville, further solidifying the region’s importance. Bonneville’s explorations also yielded the discovery of oil in 1833, foreshadowing future industries.
The first permanent white settlement in Wyoming was established in 1834 as Fort William, near the confluence of the Laramie and North Platte Rivers, which was later renamed Fort Laramie. This era also saw remarkable feats, such as Dr. Marcus Whitman’s surgical removal of a spearhead from Jim Bridger’s shoulder in 1835, a testament to the harsh realities of frontier life.
Westward Expansion and the Territorial Years
The mid-19th century witnessed an explosion of westward migration. In 1836, Narcissa Whitman and Eliza Spalding became the first White women to travel the Oregon Trail to the Far West, symbolizing a new wave of settlement. Captain John C. Fremont’s first expedition to Wyoming in 1842 resulted in the naming of Fremont Peak. This period also saw the initial discovery of gold in the South Pass district, although a major gold rush would be delayed by the Civil War.
The great migration on the Oregon Trail truly commenced in 1843, coinciding with the establishment of Fort Bridger by Jim Bridger and Louis Vasquez, marking Wyoming’s second permanent settlement. The Mormon migration to Utah in 1847 led to the establishment of the Mormon Ferry on the North Platte River, aiding countless travelers. The California Gold Rush in 1849 brought a surge of gold seekers traversing the California and Cherokee Trails through Wyoming, prompting the U.S. Government to purchase Fort Laramie, recognizing its strategic importance.
In 1852, William Vaux, post chaplain, and his daughter Victoria, opened Wyoming’s first school at Fort Laramie, offering a semblance of civilization amidst the wilderness. This year also marked the peak for emigration on the Oregon Trail. Agricultural efforts began in 1853 with the establishment of Fort Supply by Mormons near Fort Bridger, though it was later deserted and burned. Communication across the vast continent improved dramatically with the advent of the Pony Express in 1860, delivering mail by horseback, only to be supplanted by the transcontinental telegraph in 1861.
Military outposts continued to dot the landscape, such as Fort Halleck, established in 1862 on the Overland Trail. The Overland stage line shifted its route from the Oregon Trail to the Overland (Cherokee) Trail, reflecting changing patterns of travel. The Bozeman Trail was established in 1863, providing a new path to Montana’s goldfields, and Wyoming’s first newspaper, The Daily Telegraph, began publication at Fort Bridger.
The cattle industry began to take root in 1866 when Nelson Story drove the first herd of cattle through Wyoming en route to Montana. However, this period was also marked by intense conflict, exemplified by the massacre of William J. Fetterman and eighty troops by Indians near Fort Kearny. The year 1867 brought significant development with the founding of Cheyenne and the arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad, fundamentally altering transportation and settlement patterns. Finally, on July 25, 1868, the Wyoming Territory was officially established, and the Wind River Reservation was created by treaty for the Shoshone Indians.
Wyoming: First in Women’s Rights and Statehood
One of the most defining aspects of Wyoming’s history is its groundbreaking stance on women’s rights. While an act on December 7, 1869, stated only males could serve on juries (with women serving only in unique circumstances in 1870/1871, and not regularly until 1950), a monumental decision occurred just three days later: on December 10, 1869, Wyoming granted women the right to vote and hold office. This made Wyoming the first territory in the United States to enact such legislation, earning it the enduring nickname, The Equality State.
The 1870s saw the cattle industry flourish as cowboys began trailing cattle from Texas into Wyoming, establishing a dominant economic force for decades to come. This year also saw Esther Hobart Morris of South Pass City appointed as the nation’s first woman Justice of the Peace on February 17, and Mrs. Louisa Swain of Laramie cast the first equal suffrage vote on September 6, demonstrating the practical application of Wyoming’s progressive laws. Legendary figures like William “Buffalo Bill” Cody began guiding hunting parties through Yellowstone and the Big Horn Basin in 1871, further popularizing the region. A landmark environmental protection act in 1872 saw Congress designate Yellowstone as the world’s first national park, a testament to its unparalleled natural beauty.
The Wyoming Stock Growers Association was formed in 1873, reflecting the growing power of the cattle industry. In 1876, the Cheyenne – Black Hills stage line was launched, facilitating transportation and commerce. A significant agreement in 1877 allowed the Arapaho to move onto the Wind River Reservation with the Shoshone Indians, even as Chief Joseph led his Nez Perce people through the Yellowstone area in their desperate attempt to escape to Canada. The late 1800s also saw technological advancements, with electric lights introduced in Cheyenne in 1883. However, this period was not without conflict, notably the Chinese Massacre at Rock Springs in 1885, a tragic event highlighting racial tensions. The harsh winter of 1886-1887, known as “The Great Die-Up,” devastated cattle herds, forever changing the ranching industry. The Capitol building was completed in 1888, and the tragic hanging of Ellen Watson, or Cattle Kate, in 1889 by Stock Growers Association members underscored the brutal enforcement of frontier justice. Finally, after decades of territorial development and unique contributions, Wyoming achieved statehood on July 10, 1890.
Into the 20th Century: Conflicts, Conservation, and Culture
The early years of Wyoming’s statehood were still marked by frontier conflicts. The infamous Johnson County War in 1892 saw a cattlemen’s army invade Johnson County, highlighting the ongoing tensions between large ranchers and smaller settlers. Despite these challenges, development continued. In 1896, Buffalo Bill’s company strategically named their town Cody, leveraging his fame to attract new residents, a plan that proved successful. Conservation efforts gained momentum with the establishment of the Bighorn National Forest in 1897. That same year, the first Cheyenne Frontier Days were celebrated, beginning on September 23, initiating a tradition that continues to define Wyoming’s cowboy culture.
The turn of the century brought further progress and recognition. Chief Washakie, a revered Shoshone leader, was buried with full military honors at Fort Washakie in 1900. Cody continued to thrive, charming the Burlington Railroad into building a 70-mile spur to the town in 1901, the same year the Wyoming Frontier Prison opened in Rawlins. Entrepreneurship also flourished; J.C. Penney opened his very first store in Kemmerer on April 13, 1902. In 1903, the Shoshone National Forest, the nation’s first, was created in northwestern Wyoming. This year also saw the controversial hanging of the notorious stock detective Tom Horn in Cheyenne. The spirit of the West continued to evolve with the establishment of the first dude ranch near Sheridan by the Eaton brothers in 1904, offering a new way for outsiders to experience frontier life. Finally, in 1906, Devils Tower was designated as the first national monument, preserving another of Wyoming’s natural wonders for future generations.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Wyoming
From the exploratory footsteps of the Verendrye brothers to its pioneering role in women’s suffrage and the establishment of the world’s first national park, Wyoming’s history is a vibrant tapestry of human endeavor and natural grandeur. This timeline reveals a state shaped by formidable landscapes, a rich cultural heritage, and a resilient spirit. The legacy of its explorers, fur traders, homesteaders, and lawmakers continues to influence the Cowboy State, cementing its unique and powerful place in the story of the American West. Wyoming stands as a living testament to the values of freedom, equality, and rugged individualism, forever etched into the fabric of the nation.
