About Wyoming
Wyoming Facts and Symbols - State Capital, Nickname, Motto, Date Admitted to the Union, Size, Annual Precipitation, Population and other information.
Wyoming History - The Old West Continues, Wyoming's Equality Heritage, Statehood, Organization, Historic Sites
Wyoming Information
The musical name, "Wyoming," was used by J.M. Ashley of Ohio, who, as early as 1865, introduced a bill to Congress to provide a "temporary government for the territory of Wyoming." It was to be formed from portions of the Dakota, Utah and Idaho territories. The bill was referred to a committee where it rested until 1868. During debate on the bill in the U.S. Senate in 1868, other possible names were suggested, such as Cheyenne, Shoshoni, Arapaho, Sioux, Platte, Big Horn, Yellowstone, Sweetwater and Lincoln. "Wyoming" was already commonly used and remained the popular choice.
The name Wyoming was adopted from two Delaware Indian words, MECHEWEAMI-ING. To the Indians it meant "at the big plains," or "on the great plain," certainly appropriate for Wyoming.
Governor
Mark Gordon (R), Governor, State of Wyoming
Term expires 2022
Governor Gordon has served as the 33nd Governor of Wyoming since 2019.
Congressional Delegation
Cynthia Lummis (R), U.S. Senator
Term expires in 2027
John Barrasso (R), U.S. Senator
Term expires in 2025
Senator Barrasso was appointed on June 22, 2007 to the 110th Congress following the death of Craig L. Thomas and won a special election in 2008 to fill the remaining four years of Thomas's term.
Liz Cheney (R), U.S. Representative
Term expires in 2023
Representative Cheney has served since 2017.
Wyoming's Economy
Components of Wyoming's economy differ significantly from those of other states. The mineral extraction industry and the travel and tourism sector are the main drivers behind Wyoming’s economy. Unlike other states, Wyoming does not possess an individual or corporate income tax. The Federal government owns 42.3% of its landmass, while 6% is controlled by the state. Total taxable values of mining production in Wyoming for 2007 was over $14.5 billion. Travel spending by all domestic and international visitors in Wyoming was approximately $3.8 billion in 2018.
In 2007 over six million people visited Wyoming’s national parks and monuments. The key tourist attractions in Wyoming include Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Devil’s Tower National Monument, and Fossil Butte National Monument. Each year Yellowstone National Park receives three million visitors.
Wyoming’s unemployment rate for 2007 was approximately 3.5%, which was significantly lower than the national average of 4.6%. Per capita income (PCI) for Wyoming in 2007 was $43,226.
Historically, agriculture has been an important component of Wyoming’s economic identity. Its overall importance to the performance of Wyoming’s economy has waned. However, it is still an essential part of Wyoming’s culture and lifestyle. In 2007 the total value of agricultural production in Wyoming was $1021.4 million. The main agricultural commodities produced in Wyoming include livestock (beef), hay, sugar beets, grain (wheat and barley), and wool. Over 91% of land in Wyoming is classified as rural.
Wyoming Mineral Production
Wyoming’s mineral commodities include coal, natural gas, coal bed methane, crude oil, and trona. Wyoming ranks the highest in proportion of mining employment (7.2%) in the U.S. In fiscal year 2019 Wyoming collected over $137 million in sales and use taxes from the mining industry.
Coal: Wyoming produced 304.2 million short tons of coal in 2018. The state is the number one producer of coal in the U.S. Coal is mainly used to produce electricity. Wyoming possesses approximately 165 billion tons of recoverable coal.
Natural Gas: In 2018 natural gas production was 1,815 billion cubic feet. Wyoming ranks 8th nationwide for natural gas production. The major markets for natural gas include industrial, commercial, and domestic heating.
Coal Bed Methane (CBM): The boom for CBM began in the mid-1990’s. CBM is characterized as methane gas that is extracted from Wyoming’s coal bed seams. It is another means of natural gas production. There has been a substantial amount of CBM production in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin over the past decade. In 2010 the CBM production yield was 560.5 billion cubic feet, but dropped to 121.7 billion cubic feet in 2018.
Crude Oil: Production of Wyoming crude oil in 2018 was 88.0 million barrels. The state is ranked 8th among producers of oil in the U.S. Petroleum is most often used as a motor fuel, but it is also utilized in the manufacturing of plastics, paints and synthetic rubber.
Trona: Wyoming possesses the largest known reserve of trona in the world. Trona is used for glass manufacturing, paper, soaps, baking soda, water softeners, and pharmaceuticals. In 2018 Wyoming produced 17.4 million short tons of trona.
Wyoming Wildlife
Wyoming is home to the world’s first national park and the country’s first national forest. These and other public lands, along with millions of acres of privately-owned land provide a diverse landscape for more than 800 species of fish and wildlife.
The world’s largest populations of pronghorn antelope and sage grouse reside here and several acclaimed, long-distance migrations of elk and pronghorn take place each year in the western part of the state.
In 2012, researchers discovered the longest documented mule deer herd migration in the world in Wyoming. Each year, hundreds of mule deer travel 150 miles one way, between their lower-elevation winter range in the Red Desert northeast of Rock Springs to their summer range in the Hoback Basin northwest of Pinedale.
One of the rarest mammals in North America is also found in Wyoming. The critically endangered black footed ferret, once thought to be extinct, was rediscovered on a Wyoming ranch in 1981 and through careful reintroduction efforts, is making a comeback.
Elk, mule deer, pronghorn and white-tailed deer are readily seen in many areas of the state, while, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats and large carnivores such as grizzly bears, black bears and gray wolves provide unique viewing and photographic opportunities for lucky observers.
Wyoming has 28 species of game fish, including the native Bonneville, Snake River, Yellowstone and Colorado River cutthroat trout. Warm-water species such as bass, walleye, crappie, perch and sauger can be found in lower elevation lakes while grayling and brook, brown and golden trout beckon anglers to the state’s many mountain ranges.
Along with a wealth and diversity of wildlife comes remarkable access to enjoy it. Just over half of Wyoming is state or federal public land, providing wildlife enthusiasts abundant opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, wildlife watching and other outdoor pursuits.
University of Wyoming
The University of Wyoming was founded in 1886, when Wyoming was still a territory. In September 1887, UW opened its doors to 42 students and five faculty members -- as befitted the university of “The Equality State,” both the students and faculty included women from the first day.
UW has since grown into a major teaching and research university with approximately 12,300 students and more than 700 faculty members, offering over 200 programs of study. Throughout its existence, UW has been the only four-year university in Wyoming, though it has maintained a close relationship with the state’s community colleges. UW combines major-university benefits and small-school advantages. Students generally experience small class sizes, affording easy access to faculty. Faculty members are internationally renowned for their research and scholarship and are innovative and creative teachers.
The university has a vibrant student life, with more than 243 recognized student organizations from which to choose. The community of Laramie and the surrounding area offers endless four-season outdoor adventure, arts and culture, a lively downtown and a welcoming campus community.
The university serves the entire state of Wyoming through an expanding outreach program and 10 regional educational centers. In addition, Agricultural Extension Centers are scattered throughout the state. The University of Wyoming at Casper, UW’s branch campus, offers a small campus experience in central Wyoming.
UW is a Division I member of the NCAA and the Mountain West Conference, with 17 intercollegiate varsity sports. The Wyoming Cowboys and Cowgirls are Wyoming’s home teams, with a strong and passionate fan base throughout the state and across the country.
Community Colleges
Seven community colleges provide educational opportunities in various parts of the state: Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne; Casper College in Casper; Northwest College in Powell; Sheridan College in Sheridan; Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington; Western Wyoming Community College in Rock Springs; and Central Wyoming College in Riverton.
Along with the University of Wyoming, they provide academic courses at the freshman and sophomore levels, terminal, vocational and general education programs, and adult education programs in the local communities.
Public Schools
Public education is directed by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, an elected state official, and the Department of Education. Educational policies are set by the State Board of Education, a 12-member board appointed by the Governor. The Constitution prohibits the state from establishing curriculum and textbook selections; these are the prerogatives of local school boards. As of the fall of 2018, Wyoming had 93,029 students enrolled in public schools. There are currently 48 school districts with 154 elementary schools, 63 junior high or middle schools and 73 secondary schools.
Geographical Location
Wyoming is located in the Rocky Mountain section of the western United States. It is bounded on the north by Montana, on the east by South Dakota and Nebraska, on the south by Colorado and Utah, and on the west by Utah, Idaho and Montana. Wyoming is one of three states entirely bounded by straight lines. It is the ninth largest state in the United States containing 97,914 square miles and is made up of 23 counties. From the north border to the south border it is 276 miles; from the east to the west border, 375 miles.
Physical Characteristics
The Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains in Wyoming. The state is a great plateau broken by a number of important mountain ranges. In the northwest are the Absaroka, the Owl Creek, Wyoming, Gros Ventre, Wind River and the Teton ranges. In the north central are the Big Horns; in the northeast, the Black Hills; and in the southern portion of Wyoming, the Laramie, Medicine Bow and Sierra Madre ranges.
The Continental Divide cuts through Wyoming from the northwest to the south central border. Rivers east of the Divide drain into the Missouri River Basin and eventually the Atlantic Ocean. They are the Platte, Wind, Big Horn and the Yellowstone rivers. The Snake River in northwest Wyoming eventually drains into the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean, as does the Green River through the Colorado River Basin.
Climate
Wyoming has the second highest mean elevation in the United States at 6,700 feet above sea level. The climate is semiarid, but because of its topographical diversity, it is also varied. Annual precipitation varies from as little as five inches to as much as 45 inches a year, some in the form of rain and some in snow.
Because of its elevation, Wyoming has a relatively cool climate. Above the 6,000 foot level the temperature rarely exceeds 100 F. Summer nights are almost invariably cool, though daytime readings may be quite high. Away from the mountains, low July temperatures range from 50 to 60 F.
National Parks and Monuments
Yellowstone National Park - The world's first and foremost national park. Two contrasting elements have combined to produce this area of natural wonders; a land born in the fires of thundering volcanoes and since sculptured by glacial ice and running water.
The park features the world's most extensive area of geothermal activity. Thousands of hot springs dot thermal basins; geysers hurl thousands of gallons of boiling water into the air; hissing steam vents punctuate valley floors; and petrified tree stumps, remnants of a primeval forest buried by volcanic ash, stand starkly on eroded mountain sides. This thermal theatre had its beginning in an enormous volcanic eruption thought to have occurred about 600,000 years ago. Heat from a huge reservoir of molten rock, which produced the massive eruption, remains relatively close beneath the surface, sustaining the spectacular hot water and steam phenomena for which the park is famous.
Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming's smaller national park, Grand Teton, lies south of Yellowstone. Known worldwide for its breathtaking beauty, the Teton Range thrusts abruptly from the floor of the Jackson Hole valley nearly one and a half miles seemingly straight up into the skies. The Indians called them Teewinot-Many Pinnacles-while the French trappers referred to part of the range as Les Trois Tetons-The Three Breasts.
Devils Tower National Monument - The nation's first national monument, Devils Tower, looms prominently over the Belle Fourche River in a place where the pine forests of the Black Hills merge with the grasslands of the rolling plains.
This imposing formation is a stump-shaped cluster of rock columns 1,000 feet across the bottom and 275 feet across the top. It rises 1,280 feet above the valley to a height of 5,117 feet above sea level. For centuries, Devils Tower played an important role in the legend and folklore of Indian people. It became a landmark to stalwart explorers and travelers pushing their way west from the Black Hill region. It was proclaimed a national monument on September 24, 1906, by President Theodore Roosevelt. The most recent fame for the tower came as the site where the spaceship landed in the popular movie, "Close Encounters of the Third Kind."
Fossil Butte National Monument - Is a ruggedly impressive topographic feature which rises sharply some 1,000 feet above Twin Creek Valley to an elevation of more than 7,500 feet above sea level. At the base of the butte are the brightly colored fossil beds of the Wasatch Formation. Near the top of the butte are the much steeper buff-to-white beds of the Green River Formation.
The richest fossil fish deposits are found in limestone layers about three feet thick and lie from 30 to 300 feet below the varying surfaces of the butte. The fossils represent several varieties of perch, as well as other freshwater genera, and several kinds of herring whose descendants now live in the sea. Fossil Butte contains 8,180 acres and was established as a national monument by public law on October 23, 1972.
National Forests
Bighorn National Forest - established in 1897, contains 1.1 million acres within an area roughly 80 miles long and 30 miles wide. The 195,000-acre Cloud Peak Wilderness pays tribute to the Highest peak in the Bighorn Mountains. This rugged wilderness resulted from glacial action that formed U-shaped valleys, leaving vertical walls up to 1,500 feet in height.
Black Hills National Forest - contains 175,000 acres in Wyoming and another 1 million acres in neighboring South Dakota. The Lakota Sioux called these hills "Paha Sapa," or "hills that are black," because the ponderosa pine slopes are dark when seen from the plains. The pine, spruce, aspen and oak forests provide habitat for various wildlife including elk, white-tailed deer and turkey.
Bridger-Teton National Forest - is the second largest national forest outside Alaska, encompassing more than 3.4 million acres. High elevations, varied topography, interesting geological formations an incredible array of wildlife and the famous Jackson Hole elk herd combine to make this an exciting place to visit. The Teton Wilderness lies immediately south of Yellowstone National Park and is home to grizzly bears and great hunting and fishing. The Bridger Wilderness, on the west slope of the Wind River Range north and east of Pinedale, is widely used by backpackers throughout the summer and fall. The Gros Ventre Wilderness is a mountainous area located east of Jackson and is a mecca for those seeking a less crowded experience.
Medicine Bow National Forest - spreads through five southeastern counties and consists of more than 1 million acres, as well as the Thunder Basin National Grassland in northeast Wyoming. The origin of "Medicine Bow" is legendary and relates to the Indian tribes who inhabited southeastern Wyoming and made their hunting bows of mountain mahogany found there. Medicine Bow National Forest includes the Snowy Range, which owes its name to the snowfields that remain there throughout the summer, and is home to four wilderness areas: Platte River, Huston Park, Encampment River and Savage Run.
Shoshone National Forest - contains more than 2.4 million acres of outstanding lakes, streams, scenery, wildlife and many resorts and dude ranches and is a major recreational attraction. Five spectacular wildernesses are found here: Washakie Wilderness, Absaroka-Beartooth and North Absaroka Wilderness, Popo Agie Wilderness and Fitzpatrick Wilderness.
Targhee National Forest - based in Idaho, has two wildernesses within Wyoming's borders. The Jedediah Smith Wilderness is located on the west slope of the Teton Range and named for the famous mountain man, explorer and trapper of the early 1800s. Glacially carved subalpine lake basins, limestone cave systems, outstanding view of the Tetons and abundant wildlife highlight this area. The smaller Winegar Hole Wilderness lies adjacent to the southwest corner of Yellowstone National Park.