Delve into the rich tapestry of the American West as we uncover some of the most fascinating facts about Wyoming, a state renowned for its dramatic landscapes and pioneering spirit. From its majestic mountain ranges to its vibrant cultural heritage, Wyoming offers a wealth of intriguing details that captivate both residents and visitors alike. Often called “The Equality State” due to its groundbreaking history regarding women’s rights, Wyoming stands as a testament to American independence and innovation.
Wyoming’s Pioneering Legacy: A Land of Firsts
Wyoming proudly holds numerous distinctions as a pioneer in American history. It was the first state to establish a county public library, emphasizing an early commitment to education and accessible knowledge. In 1866, the first book ever printed in Wyoming was the “Dictionary of the Sioux Language,” a significant cultural and linguistic achievement for the time. Perhaps its most celebrated historical first, the Wyoming Territory granted women the right to vote in 1869, making Wyoming women the first in the nation to obtain this fundamental right, a move that solidified its nickname, “The Equality State.”
The state also boasts unparalleled natural conservation efforts. In 1872, Wyoming became home to Yellowstone National Park, which was designated as the first National Park in not just the nation, but the entire world. This incredible foresight preserved a unique geothermal wonderland for generations. Additionally, the Shoshone National Forest, established in 1891 by an Act signed by President Benjamin Harrison, holds the distinction of being the nation’s first national forest. Today, Wyoming proudly hosts nine national forests, reflecting its commitment to preserving its natural beauty. Even the concept of the “dude ranch” originated here, with the Eaton Ranch near Wolf becoming the first of its kind, and its proprietors coining the very term.
Further marking its historical significance, the first business west of the Missouri River was a trading post established at the confluence of the Laramie and North Platte Rivers by veteran fur traders William Sublette and Robert Campbell. In the realm of politics, Wyoming continued to lead; in 1925, Mrs. Nellie Tayloe Ross made history by becoming the first woman governor in the United States, further cementing Wyoming’s progressive reputation.
Natural Wonders and Geological Marvels
Wyoming’s landscape is a canvas of awe-inspiring natural phenomena and significant paleontological discoveries. Yellowstone National Park, with the majority of its landmass within Wyoming, is world-renowned for having more geysers than any other geyser field on Earth, including the iconic Old Faithful. Not far away, Devil’s Tower was designated as the first National Monument in 1906, its distinctive laccolithic butte rising dramatically from the plains.
The state is also a treasure trove for dinosaur enthusiasts. In 1997, 165-million-year-old Middle Jurassic dinosaur footprints were unearthed near Shell, providing a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life. Even more remarkably, a dinosaur skull and bones discovered at Alcova Lake were found by a local elementary class during a field trip, connecting young minds directly to ancient history. East of Medicine Bow lies the Dinosaur Bone House, an extraordinary structure comprised of 26,000 fossils, showcasing the sheer abundance of paleontological riches in the region. Furthermore, Kemmerer is famously known as the Fossil Fish Capital of the World, boasting over 100,000 fish fossils alongside its 3,000 residents and 100 Pronghorn Antelope.
Geographically, Wyoming presents unique features like the Red Desert in the south-central part of the state. This area features an unusual drainage system where the continental divide splits and goes around the desert on all sides, leaving the basin without normal drainage. The world’s second-largest traveling sand dunes, the Killpecker Dunes, are also located north of Rock Springs, offering a breathtaking desert landscape. The Wind River, another natural wonder, changes its name to the Big Horn River in the middle of the stream at the north end of the Wind River Canyon, a site where Native Americans hold an annual ceremony depicting the “Wedding of the Waters.” Even new life forms have been discovered here; one of the newest mammals known to man, a shrew-like creature weighing just 1.3 grams, was found in a petrified tree stump in Wyoming, dating back some 65 million years.
Quirky Laws, Legends, and Local Lore
Wyoming is not only a land of historical significance and natural beauty but also a source of some truly unique and often humorous local ordinances and legends. For instance, an old law in Cheyenne states that residents are not allowed to take showers on Wednesdays. While likely unenforced today, it highlights a peculiar aspect of past legislation. Similarly, wearing a hat that obstructs people’s view in a public theater or place of amusement is illegal. More seriously, failing to close a fence can result in a fine of up to $750, a law that underscores the importance of ranching and land management in the state.
Some laws lean towards the truly bizarre: it is strictly forbidden to use a firearm to fish, and photographing a rabbit from January to April requires an official permit. In Jackson, spitting on sidewalks or streets is illegal, with the added caveat that if committed in the presence of a woman, it could lead to arrest, up to three days in jail, and restitution to the woman. Other unusual prohibitions include junk dealers being barred from transacting business with anyone who is drunk, and the ban on skiing under the influence of alcohol. One particularly outlandish ordinance in Newcastle specifically bans couples from having sex while standing inside a store’s walk-in meat freezer.
The state also boasts its share of fascinating, sometimes macabre, tales. The Carbon County Museum in Rawlins houses the remains of outlaw George Manuse, infamously known as “Big Nose George.” What’s truly unsettling is the display of shoes made from his skin by a local doctor, John Osborne, who later wore them as the Governor of Wyoming, and the top of his skull, which served as a doorstop and ashtray. Afton, Wyoming, is home to the world’s largest elkhorn arch, a remarkable feat of natural art and community effort. The only known monument in the United States built in honor of a prostitute, the Old Mother Feather Legs Shepard Monument, stands south of Lusk, erected in 1964, a testament to the varied histories of the Old West.
Legends also abound in Wyoming. Bigfoot has allegedly been sighted multiple times in the Wind River Mountains, Yellowstone, Teton Forest, and Snow King Mountain near Jackson, fueling ongoing speculation. The mythical Jackalope, a cross between an extinct pygmy deer and a killer rabbit, is said to exist in Wyoming, becoming a beloved symbol of local folklore.
Notable Figures and Western Heritage
Wyoming is steeped in the lore of the American West, inextricably linked to legendary figures and their exploits. The famous town of Cody, Wyoming, is named after the legendary showman and frontiersman, William “Buffalo Bill” Cody. Another infamous character, Harry Longabaugh, earned his moniker “the Sundance Kid” because he served a jail term for horse stealing in Sundance, Wyoming, before becoming one of the most notorious outlaws of his era. Even the iconic bucking horse on the Wyoming license plate is named “Old Steamboat,” after a bronco from the early 1900s that was considered impossible to ride.
Beyond the outlaws and showmen, figures like Wild Bill Hickok also left their mark; he married Agnes Lake Thatcher in the First United Methodist Church in Cheyenne in 1874. The state also saw the dramatic end of figures like Tom Horn, a lawman turned outlaw, who was hanged in Cheyenne in 1903 for the shooting of 14-year-old Willie Nickell, a grim reminder of the frontier’s harsh justice. On a more entrepreneurial note, the global retail giant J.C. Penney stores had their humble beginnings in Kemmerer, Wyoming, illustrating the state’s contribution to American commerce.
Economy, Demographics, and Modern Identity
Despite its vast land area, Wyoming holds the distinction of having the lowest population of any state in the United States, fostering a strong sense of community and wide-open spaces. This low population density contributes to one of the nation’s lowest violent crime rates. However, Wyoming also faces complex social challenges, as it has one of the nation’s highest rates of domestic violence, highlighting an area of ongoing concern and community effort.
Economically, Wyoming is a powerhouse in resource extraction. In 1994, it led the country in coal production, mining an astonishing three million tons per week, a testament to the North Antelope Rochelle Mine, about 60 miles south of Gillette, which remains the world’s largest coal mine by reserve. The state also encourages cultural investment; any new commercial building costing more than $100,000 must spend at least 1% of those funds on artwork for the building, integrating art into the commercial landscape.
Conclusion
From its groundbreaking social reforms, particularly in women’s suffrage, to its awe-inspiring natural beauty encompassing majestic mountains and unique geological formations, Wyoming truly lives up to its nickname as “The Equality State” and much more. These captivating facts paint a picture of a land shaped by both powerful geological forces and the enduring spirit of its people. Whether you’re exploring its vast national parks, uncovering remnants of prehistoric life, or simply appreciating its unique legal curiosities, Wyoming continues to be a frontier of discovery and a vibrant chapter in the story of the American West. Its legacy as a place of innovation, natural wonder, and rugged individualism remains as strong and unyielding as its iconic mountain ranges.
