On July 10, 180, the 51st US Congress admitted Wyoming into the Union as the 44th state. This marked the culmination of nearly two decades of development for what was previously a territory, and several days ago, we celebrated its 135th anniversary. So, in reflection of that, I figured it’d be good to re-acquaint ourselves with some of the history of this great state, in order to examine and appreciate our past.
Initially, what would become “Wyoming,” was nothing more than sparse prairie. The name of Wyoming comes from the Delaware Tribe’s word “mecheweami-ing,” which means, “at the big plains,” which seems fitting for the state. Originally, what would become Wyoming belonged to the Arapahoe, Shoshone, Cheyenne, and Lakota Sioux tribes, who were displaced along with many others during the US’ expansion westward. Legally, the initial territory was made up of land from the Dakota, Utah, and Idaho territories, but was carved out into its own in 1868, shortly after the Civil War. Wyoming’s arguable first claim to fame was the transcontinental railroad, which reached Cheyenne in 1867, making the city one of the earliest hubs in the wild west.
As the state grew, so too did the movement for full statehood. Wyoming’s population, however, was incredibly small, even by late 19th century standards. Wyoming’s notable inclusion of women in the franchise, however, played a strong role in allowing for the territory to become a state. In 1890, the Wyoming Constitutional Convention took place, and Wyoming was officially made a state; the first to allow women to vote, with one Wyoming delegate famously declaring, “We will remain out of the Union one hundred years rather than come in without the women.”
In the decades following statehood, Wyoming’s identity continued to take shape. The early 20th century saw Wyoming’s largest industry, resource extraction, take a front stage in state affairs. The Great Depression affected Wyoming heavily like many western states, but ultimately programs implemented during it resulted in infrastructure that’s still used to this day.
Wyoming has continued as a state defined by its frontier resilience, rugged topography, and natural abundance. Wyoming’s population remains small to this day, but I think that’s part of what makes this state so special. As we mark 135 years of Wyoming statehood, it’s worth remembering Wyoming’s journey to becoming the 44th star on the American flag. Wyoming is the product of determined pioneers, railroad workers, coal miners, and everyone else who lives here and has lived here throughout its history.
