Geography and Climate of Wyoming
With a surface area of over 96,000 square miles, Wyoming is one of the largest states in the U.S. Wyoming shares its borders with Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah and Idaho. The eastern portion of the state features the Eastern Great Plains, a series of foothills that intersect with the Rocky Mountains.
The entire state is a large plateau divided by numerous mountain ranges. This combination of high elevation peaks and far-reaching valleys creates an expansive and picturesque landscape. The Continental Divide cuts across the central section of the state in a north-south route. From the Snowy Range to the Teton Range and the Great Divide Basin, the geological makeup of Wyoming is awe-inspiring.
Wyoming's topographical layout influences the various climates of the state. Wyoming is a semi-arid climate that is drier and windier than most other states in the U.S. The summers in Wyoming are warm, but their temperatures drop considerably at night and in places with higher elevation. Winters are cold, but the temperatures grow even colder as you get into the mountains.
History of Wyoming
The area known as Wyoming was once the home of numerous Native American tribes, including the Arapaho, Crow, Lakota and Shoshone peoples. Although it's possible that French fur trappers ventured into the region, the first recorded visit by European-Americans came in 1807, when John Cotler entered Wyoming as part of the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Wyoming's population grew at a steady pace after the Union Pacific Railroad made its way to Cheyenne. Wyoming became an official territory in 1868. The discovery of precious metals in the region, including gold, silver and copper, further enhanced the area's population boom.
The government made Yellowstone Park the very first U.S. National Park in 1872. In 1890, Wyoming was officially admitted into the Union. During the last half of the 19th Century, Wyoming became a leading state in the women's suffrage movement. The first female governor in the U.S., Nellie Tayloe Ross, was voted into office in Wyoming in the mid-1920s.
Demographics of Wyoming
According to 2005 estimates, Wyoming has a total population of 509,294. Fewer people live in Wyoming than any other state in the U.S. The state has the second lowest population density in the country. Only Alaska has fewer people per square mile. Cheyenne is the most populated city in the state. Based on 2005 estimates, there are 55,362 people living in Cheyenne. For people who prefer untouched natural landscapes to busy urban expanses, Wyoming is truly a one-of-a-kind state.
Discover more here: Wyoming QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau
Economy of Wyoming
Agriculture plays a heavy role in the economy. Cattle raising, sheep, hay, wheat, barley and sugar beets are cultivated in abundance. Wyoming also has robust mining and lumber industries. Tourism is also a huge sector of the state's economy.
Based on 2005 economic reports, Wyoming has a gross state product of $27.4 billion. The federal government owns over half the country's landmass. More than 90 percent of the state is rural land.
Unlike a majority of the states in the U.S., Wyoming does not have personal or corporate income taxes. The state is also free of inheritance taxes and taxes on retirement income, or any other state-based assistance payments.
Wyoming Law and Government
State legislature in Wyoming includes 30 members in the House of Representatives and 60 members in the senate. Although the current governor of Wyoming is a democrat (Dave Freudenthal), all three U.S. Congressional members from Wyoming are republicans. Both U.S. Senators from the state also belong to the Republican Party.
Wyoming's low population means that the state only has three electoral votes. Every presidential vote cast in the state has a huge impact on the outcome of those three electoral votes. The citizens of Wyoming have not voted for a democratic presidential candidate since 1964. Current Vice President Dick Cheney started his political career in the state of Wyoming.
Wyoming Transportation
I-80 runs through the lower half of the state along an east-west route. I-25 cuts a north-south route from Cheyenne through Casper and onto Buffalo. I-90 runs east-west along the northeast corner of the state. Seven U.S. highways also run through Wyoming.
Cheyenne, the largest city in the state, serves as a regional travel hub for airlines, the Union Pacific Railroad and the BNSF Railway. There is also an international airport located in Casper, Wyoming.
Learn more here: Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT)
Major Cities and Towns of Wyoming
Cheyenne is located in Laramie County, the most populous of the 23 counties in the state. Cheyenne is the largest city in Wyoming. Based on estimates from a few years ago, the city's per capita income was $19,809. Cheyenne is home to the F.W. Warren Air Force Base, one of the country's oldest military installations.
Casper is the state's second largest city. Nestled at the north end of the Laramie Mountain range, the city was established near Fort Caspar, a stronghold for early settlers and migratory pioneers who traveled along the Oregon Trail. The Natrona County International Airport is located in Casper.
Wyoming Educational System
The Wyoming State Superintendent of Public Instruction operates the educational system. The State Board of Education sets the educational policies, but local school boards have the final say on curriculum and textbook choices.
Up until 2007, there was only one major four-year university in the state -- the University of Wyoming. After founding the Wyoming Catholic College, the total number of four-year universities in the state grew to two. Wyoming Catholic College is located in Lander
Find out more here: Wyoming Department of Education
Wyoming Sports and Recreation
Wyoming features numerous ski and snowboarding resorts, especially in the northwest region of the state. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of recreational activities to enjoy in this beautiful state.
Wyoming Real Estate Communities and Featured Properties
High Point Ranch in Evanston, Wyoming
Wyoming Informative Articles
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