Welcome to the Cowboy State, where the bison roam, the geysers erupt, and the skies are endless. Wyoming is a state full of surprises and fascinating tales, from the home of the world’s largest mineral hot spring to the site of the first national park in the world. Whether you’re a fan of natural wonders, history, or just interesting-trivia, there’s something for everyone in Wyoming. So, grab your cowboy hat, and let’s explore 20 amazing Wyoming facts that will make you say, “Well, I’ll be darned!”
1-5 Fun Facts about Wyoming
1. Wyoming is a massive state, spanning an impressive 97,914 square miles (253,600 km²), making it the 10th largest state in the US.
2. Wyoming is larger than Guinea or the United Kingdom!
3. Despite being the 10th largest state in the US, with a total area of 97,914 mi², Wyoming has a relatively small population of 576,850 people.
4. There are 31 American cities with larger populations than Wyoming!
5. Cheyenne is Wyoming’s capital and largest city, boasting a population of 65,000 people. The second largest city in the state is Casper.
6-10 Interesting Facts about Wyoming
6. Wyoming is home to some impressive prehistoric finds – it even has a state dinosaur! The Triceratops is Wyoming’s official state dinosaur, and the state’s northeast is where three of the most complete triceratops ever found were unearthed.
7. The state motto of Wyoming is “Equal Rights,” reflecting the state’s commitment to equality and fairness for all its residents.
8. Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, was the first national park in the US, and possibly the world. Visitors to the park can witness the majesty of over half of the world’s geysers, along with other geothermal features like hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles. It’s truly a wonder of the natural world.
9. Nearly half of Wyoming’s land is owned by the federal government, with 4% of the land being protected in the state or national parks, putting the state among the top-10 in the country in terms of protected lands.
10. Coal is a vital industry in Wyoming, with the state supplying about 40% of the nation’s domestic coal.
11-15 Scary Facts about Wyoming
11. Wyoming has some quirky laws on its books. For example, it’s illegal to use firearms to fish.
12. Wearing a hat that obstructs other people’s views in a place of amusement is against the law.
13. And women are not allowed to stand within five feet of a bar while drinking.
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14. While coal may be the backbone of Wyoming’s economy, tourism is a close second. Every year, over 6 million visitors flock to Wyoming to take in its breathtaking natural beauty, from its towering mountains to its serene plains.
15. Lastly, the first Democrat governor of Wyoming wore a pair of shoes made of human skin to his inaugural ball, adding a creepy and bizarre note to Wyoming’s history.
16-20 Awesome Facts about Wyoming
16. When Wyoming applied to join the US, Congress told them they couldn’t let women vote. Wyoming’s response was legendary: “We will remain out of the Union one hundred years rather than come in without the women”. In 1890, they became the first state to allow women to vote, refusing to compromise their beliefs for the sake of joining the Union.
17. Interestingly, it is legal for women to be topless in six US states, including Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Utah.
18. The Black-footed ferret was thought to be extinct in 1979, but in 1981, a dog in Meeteetse, Wyoming, brought home a dead ferret. This discovery led to the rediscovery of a small population, and today, the Black-footed ferret is making a comeback.
19. Wyoming’s tallest building is actually a student dormitory, White Hall, on the University of Wyoming campus, standing at 12 stories tall and built-in 1967.
20. Wyoming is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 400 species of birds found in the state, including the majestic bald eagle. Whether you’re an avid birder or just enjoy nature, Wyoming is the perfect destination to witness some of the world’s most beautiful and rare birds.
That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading 20 Interesting Wyoming Facts For Students.
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