How Wyoming Became a State

Wyoming is a state located in the western United States, known for its diverse geography and abundance of natural resources. It is the 10th largest state in the US, and is home to Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the world. Wyoming is also known for its wide open spaces, rugged terrain, and abundant wildlife. Despite its current status as a state, Wyoming has a long and interesting history that led to its statehood.

Pre-Statehood

Early Exploration of Wyoming

The first recorded exploration of Wyoming was by French-Canadian trapper and explorer, Jacques La Ramée, in 1743. He was followed by other trappers and fur traders, including John Colter, who is credited with discovering Yellowstone. These early explorers were followed by the first settlers, who were primarily ranchers and farmers. The first permanent settlement in Wyoming was established in 1842, when a group of Mormons settled in the area. The Mormons were followed by other settlers from the east, who were attracted to Wyoming by the promise of free land.

Development of Wyoming

The development of Wyoming was largely driven by the discovery of gold in the area in 1867. This discovery sparked a gold rush, and thousands of miners and prospectors flooded into the area. The influx of people led to the formation of towns and cities, and the population of Wyoming grew rapidly. The gold rush also led to the development of the railroad, which connected Wyoming to the rest of the United States. This made it easier for people to travel to and from Wyoming, and it allowed goods and services to be transported to and from the state. As the population of Wyoming grew, so did the demand for statehood. In 1890, Wyoming became the 44th state in the Union.

Statehood

Wyoming's Admission to the Union

Wyoming officially became a state on July 10, 1890, when President Benjamin Harrison signed the proclamation. Prior to this, Wyoming had been a territory since 1868. The process of becoming a state was a long and arduous one, and Wyoming was the 44th state to join the Union. In order to become a state, Wyoming had to meet certain requirements set by the federal government. These requirements included a population of at least 60,000 people and a constitution that was approved by Congress.

In order to meet the population requirement, Wyoming had to attract more settlers to the area. To do this, the Wyoming legislature passed the Homestead Act of 1869, which allowed settlers to claim up to 160 acres of land for free. This encouraged many people to move to Wyoming, and by the time of statehood, the population had grown to over 60,000.

The Wyoming constitution was written in 1889 and was approved by Congress in 1890. This document outlined the structure of the state government, including the three branches of government, the powers of the state, and the rights of citizens. The constitution also established the state capital as Cheyenne.

Significance of Wyoming's Statehood

Wyoming's statehood was an important milestone in the history of the United States. It was the first state to grant women the right to vote, and it was the first state to elect a female governor. This set a precedent for other states to follow and helped to pave the way for the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in all states.

Wyoming's statehood also had a significant impact on the economy of the region. The state was able to attract new businesses and industries, which created jobs and increased the standard of living. This helped to spur economic growth in the region, and Wyoming's economy remains strong to this day.

The statehood of Wyoming also had a major impact on the culture of the region. Wyoming is known for its wide open spaces and its unique western culture, and this was largely shaped by the influx of settlers who moved to the area during the statehood process. This culture is still alive and well in Wyoming today, and it is one of the state's most defining features.

Post-Statehood

Growth and Development of Wyoming

After becoming a state, Wyoming saw a rapid growth in its population and economy. The discovery of gold and other minerals in the late 1800s and early 1900s drove many people to the state in search of wealth and opportunity. The Union Pacific Railroad, which connected the East and West coasts, also helped to spur growth in Wyoming by bringing in more settlers and businesses. The state's agricultural industry also began to grow, with the introduction of cattle ranching and wheat farming. By the early 20th century, Wyoming had become a major producer of coal, oil, and natural gas, which helped to further fuel its economy.

Wyoming's Role in the Nation

Wyoming has played an important role in the nation's history. It was the first state to grant women the right to vote in 1869, and the first to elect a female governor in 1925. The state also played an important role in the development of the American West, with the establishment of Yellowstone National Park in 1872 and the Grand Teton National Park in 1929. Wyoming has also been a leader in the conservation movement, with the passage of the Wyoming Wilderness Act in 1984, which protected more than 3 million acres of land. Additionally, Wyoming is home to several military bases, including F.E. Warren Air Force Base, which is the oldest continuously active military base in the United States.