Background: Wind River Canyon Wyoming.
Photo by Shiraspr
Living in Wyoming
Wyoming - Forever West
History, Geography, Homes, and State Resources of Wyoming
Wyoming USA Map
Moving to Wyoming, you'll discover it's both rich in scenery and in natural resources. The first national park in the country , Yellowstone, is here, however many of the new energy sources in the nation are being developed and mined in the state as well.. Wyoming is home to the nation's biggest elk herd and also the country's largest coal reserve. The state takes pride in its culture, equality and history, with a future balanced as carefully as those rodeo stars competing at the Wyoming county fairs!
So, if you’re coming to the state for its historical heritage, its natural surroundings, or its advanced energy sector, there's plenty of cities and towns to select from when deciding to call Montana home. There’s laid-back Laramie, a university town, Cheyenne, the state capital, a bustling city with rich cultural heritage. Other cities to ponder are Gillette and Rock Springs, two rapidly growing energy hubs as well as Jackson, which is near the national parks.
The U.S. acquired the land comprising Wyoming from France as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. John Colter, a fur-trapper, is the first white man known to have entered the region. In 1807 he explored the Yellowstone area and brought back news of its geysers and hot springs.
Robert Stuart pioneered the Oregon Trail across Wyoming in 1812–1813 and, in 1834, Fort Laramie, the first permanent trading post in Wyoming, was built. Western Wyoming was obtained by the U.S. in the 1846 Oregon Treaty with Great Britain and as a result of the treaty ending the Mexican War in 1848.
When the Wyoming Territory was organized in 1869, Wyoming women became the first in the nation to obtain the right to vote. In 1925 Mrs. Nellie Tayloe Ross became the first woman governor in the United States.
Climate
Wyoming's climate is generally semi-arid and continental (Köppen climate classification BSk), and is drier and windier in comparison to most of the United States with greater temperature extremes. Much of this is due to the topography of the state. Summers in Wyoming are warm with July high temperatures averaging between 85 and 95 °F (29 and 35 °C) in most of the state. With increasing elevation, however, this average drops rapidly with locations above 9,000 feet (2,700 m) averaging around 70 °F (21 °C). Summer nights throughout the state are characterized by a rapid cool down with even the hottest locations averaging in the 50–60 °F (10–16 °C) range at night. In most of the state, most of the precipitation tends to fall in the late spring and early summer. Winters are cold, but are variable with periods of sometimes extreme cold interspersed between generally mild periods
Demography
The 2018 Wyoming Population is estimated at 573,720. The state of Wyoming is located in the central northwestern sector of the USA. While it is the 10th largest in terms of surface area, it has the lowest recorded population of any state in the Union. It is also the second most sparsely populated. Wyoming's population in 2018 is estimated at 573,720, up slightly from the 2010 Census. It's currently enjoying a healthy growth rate of 1.13%, which ranks 15th among all 50 states.
Public education is directed by the state superintendent of public instruction, an elected state official. Educational policies are set by the State Board of Education, a nine-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.
Higher education
The Rocky Mountain Herbarium at the University of Wyoming
Wyoming has one public four-year institution, the University of Wyoming in Laramie and one private four-year college, Wyoming Catholic College, in Lander, Wyoming. In addition, there are seven two-year community colleges spread throughout the state.
Before the passing of a new law in 2006, Wyoming had hosted unaccredited institutions, many of them suspected diploma mills. The 2006 law is forcing unaccredited institutions to make one of three choices: move out of Wyoming, close down, or apply for accreditation. The Oregon State Office of Degree Authorization predicts that in a few years the problem of diploma mills in Wyoming might be resolved
According to the 2012 United States Bureau of Economic Analysis report, Wyoming's gross state product was $38.4 billion. As of 2014 the population was growing slightly with the most growth in tourist-oriented areas such as Teton County. Boom conditions in neighboring states such as North Dakota were drawing energy workers away. About half of Wyoming's counties showed population losses. The state makes active efforts through Wyoming Grown, an internet-based recruitment program, to find jobs for young people educated in Wyoming who have emigrated but may wish to return.
As of November 2015, the state's unemployment rate was 4.0%. The composition of Wyoming's economy differs significantly from that of other states with most activity in tourism, agriculture, and energy extraction; and little in anything else.
Flora and Fauna
Wyoming State Flower - Indian Paintbrush
Wyoming has more than 2,000 species of ferns, conifers, and flowering plants. Prairie grasses dominate the eastern third of the state; desert shrubs, primarily sagebrush, cover the Great Basin in the west. Rocky Mountain forests consist largely of pine, spruce, and fir. In 2003, only one plant species was endangered, blowout penstemon. Three species were listed as threatened by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, including wyoming butterfly plant, Ute ladies'-tresses, and desert yellowhead.
The mule deer is the most abundant game mammal; others include the white-tailed deer, pronghorn antelope, elk, and moose. The jackrabbit, antelope, and raccoon are plentiful. Wild turkey, bobwhite quail, and several grouse species are leading game birds; more than 50 species of non-game birds also inhabit Wyoming all year long. There are 78 species of fish, of which rainbow trout is the favorite game fish. In 2003, 13 Wyoming animal species were listed as threatened or endangered, including the black-footed ferret, grizzly bear, whooping crane, razorback sucker, Kendall Warm Springs dace, and Wyoming toad.
A familiar songbird of open country across the western two-thirds of the North American continent, the western meadowlark is a symbol of six states (official state bird of Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, and Wyoming State Bird (Western Meadowlark)
The state capitol is located in Cheyenne and contains the chambers of the Wyoming State Legislature and well as the office of the Governor of Wyoming. It was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark during 1987
Wyoming's Constitution established three branches of government: the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
The Wyoming State Legislature comprises a House of Representatives with 60 members and a Senate with 30 members.
The executive branch is headed by the governor and includes a secretary of state, auditor, treasurer and superintendent of public instruction. Wyoming does not have a lieutenant governor. Instead the secretary of state stands first in the line of succession.
Wyoming's sparse population warrants it only a single at-large seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, and hence only three votes in the Electoral College. Wyoming is an alcoholic beverage control state.
Voters must be US citizens, at least 18 years old, and bona fide residents of Wyoming. Convicted felons and those adjudicated as mentally incompetent may not vote.
The wild wild west comes alive in Wyoming. One of the most sparsely populated states in the nation, Wyoming is a land of rugged landscapes, rich tribal legend, rodeos, ranches, cowboy towns, and some of the world's great wilderness areas. Yellowstone, with its geothermal wonders, together with the spectacular Grand Teton National Park comprise one of the largest intact temperate-zone ecosystems on the planet. Both parks are home to an astounding diversity of wildlife, from grizzlies and golden eagles to wolves, elk, moose, bison, and black bears. Further afield visitors can explore red-walled gorges, hot springs, historic prairie towns, pioneer museums, and the historical attractions of Wyoming's capital, Cheyenne. With all this wilderness and wide-open space, outdoor adventures abound. Wyoming boasts excellent hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, climbing, and fishing, as well as some of the best skiing in North America
This is the only COWBOY-AND-INDIAN themed carousel in the world, and with horses that have been recently restored as closely as possible to the original colors, the restoration and year round operation will be an important cornerstone to Buffalo's historic district. Wyoming's famous bucking horse is also the lead bucking horse on the carousel to represent STEAMBOAT, who bucked relentlessly at Cheyenne Frontier Days from 1903 to 1914 and was only ridden twice in his career. The other bucking horses on the carousel will pay tribute with a display of brands from historic ranches in Johnson County.
The vast, wild landscape of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area offers visitors unparalleled opportunities to immerse themselves in the natural world, and experience the wonders of this extraordinary place. With over 120,000 acres, one can find an astounding diversity in ecosystems, wildlife, and more than 10,000 years of human history to explore.
Follow in the footsteps of over 250,000 emigrants who traveled to the gold fields and rich farmlands of California during the 1840s and 1850s: the greatest mass migration in American history. The California National Historic Trail is over 5,000 miles long and covers portions of 10 states. Step into history along more than 1,000 miles of ruts and traces from travelers and their overland wagons.
The Tower is an astounding geologic feature that protrudes out of the prairie surrounding the Black Hills. It is considered sacred by Northern Plains Indians and indigenous people. Hundreds of parallel cracks make it one of the finest crack climbing areas in North America. Devils Tower entices us to learn more, explore more and define our place in the natural and cultural world.
Rising above a scene rich with extraordinary wildlife, pristine lakes, and alpine terrain, the Teton Range stands monument to the people who fought to protect it. These are mountains of the imagination. Mountains that led to the creation of Grand Teton National Park where you can explore over two hundred miles of trails, float the Snake River or enjoy the serenity of this remarkable place.
Explore the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail across five states to see the 1,300-mile route traveled by Mormons who fled Nauvoo, Illinois, to the Great Salt Lake Valley in 1846-1847.
Imagine yourself an emigrant headed for Oregon: would promises of lush farmlands and a new beginning lure you to leave home and walk for weeks? More than 2,000 miles of trail ruts and traces can still be seen along the Oregon National Historic Trail in six states and serve as reminders of the sacrifices, struggles, and triumphs of early American settlers.
It is hard to believe that young men once rode horses to carry mail from Missouri to California in the unprecedented time of only 10 days. This relay system along the Pony Express National Historic Trail in eight states was the most direct and practical means of east-west communications before the telegraph.
Visit Yellowstone and experience the world's first national park. Marvel at a volcano’s hidden power rising up in colorful hot springs, mudpots, and geysers. Explore mountains, forests, and lakes to watch wildlife and witness the drama of the natural world unfold. Discover the history that led to the conservation of our national treasures “for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.”
As part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Bridger-Teton National Forest has 27 glaciers in its portion of the Wind River Range. The Gros Ventre landslide formed a dam on the Gros Ventre River in 1925 before failing in 1927.
Located in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, this forest includes part of the Absaroka, Beartooth, and Wind River mountain ranges. Five wilderness areas make up 56% of the forest, and elevations reach 13,804 feet at Gannett Peak, the highest point in Wyoming
In the Big Horn Mountains of north-central Wyoming, Bighorn National Forest has eight lodges, several reservoirs, and 1,500 mi (2,400 km) of trails. Elevation reach 13,167 feet at Cloud Peak in the Cloud Peak Wilderness, which is also the location of the Cloud Peak Glacier.
Sports
Due to its sparse population, the state of Wyoming lacks any major professional sports teams. Some of the most popular sports teams in the state are the University of Wyoming Cowboys and Cowgirls teams – particularly football and basketball, which play in the Mountain West Conference. Their stadiums in Laramie are at about 7,200 feet 200 m) above sea level, the highest in NCAA Division I. High school sports are governed by the Wyoming High School Activities Association, which sponsors 12 sports.
Rodeo is popular in Wyoming, and Casper has hosted the College National Finals Rodeo since 2001.
Gas tax: 24 cents per gallon of regular gasoline and diesel
Transportation
Aviation
Jackson Hole Airport
Wyoming Airports. Wyoming's main airport is small and serves a limited number of flights, but it's the best option for air travel in the state. Jackson Hole Airport provides easy access to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. Every year, hundreds of thousands of passengers fly on American, Delta, Frontier and United flights to Jackson. Year-round flights are available to Salt Lake City, Utah, and Denver, Colorado. Seasonal flights are added to US destinations such as Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Newark, Los Angeles and San Francisco for the winter ski season and summer vacation months.
The small but beautifully designed terminal reflects the aesthetics of the Rocky Mountains. Jackson Hole Airport is one of the most beautiful and convenient airports to travel to. A restaurant is open when flights are scheduled. There is also a gift shop and a kiosk selling travel items, snacks and souvenirs. An ATM is located in the baggage claim area and Wi-Fi internet coverage is available throughout the terminal.
Rail
Wyoming is one of only two states (the other being South Dakota) in the 48 contiguous states not served by Amtrak.
Freight Railroads operating in Wyoming
Bighorn Divide and Wyoming Railroad (BDW)
BNSF Railway (BNSF)
Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) through subsidiary Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad (DME)
Rapid City, Pierre and Eastern Railroad (RCPE)
Swan Ranch Railroad (SRRR)
Union Pacific Railroad (UP)
Wyoming Connect Railroad (WCT)
Roads
Interstate 25 enters the state south of Cheyenne and runs north, intersecting Interstate 80 immediately west of Cheyenne. It passes through Casper and ends at Interstate 90 near Buffalo. Interstate 80 crosses the Utah border west of Evanston and runs east through the southern third of the state, passing through Cheyenne before entering Nebraska near Pine Bluffs. Interstate 90 comes into Wyoming near Parkman and cuts through the northeastern part of the state. It serves Gillette and enters South Dakota east of Sundance.
Wyoming Housing
The median home value in Wyoming is $220,800. Wyoming home values have gone up 5.0% over the past year and predictions are they will fall -0.4% within the next year. The median list price per square foot in Wyoming is $170. The median price of homes currently listed in Wyoming is $249,900. The median rent price in Wyoming is $1,092. Wyoming Association of Realtors Wyoming Real Estate Commission Wyoming Real Estate Listings
Wyoming Cities & Towns
Wyoming has 23 counties with municipalities 99 that are incorporated consisting of cities and towns. Wyoming's incorporated municipalities cover only 0.3% of the state's land area but are home to 68.3% of its population. Wyoming's largest municipality by population is the capital city Cheyenne with 59,466 residents, and the largest municipality by land area is Casper, which covers 26.9 square miles, while the smallest municipality in both categories is Lost Springs with 4 residents and an area of 0.09 square miles.
Grand Teton National Park
Photo by Shiraspr