By Jessica Bold
Wyoming may be known best for Yellowstone National Park, but there are other interesting locations separate from the upper northwestern corner of the state that offer a glimpse of life back in the Old West. Wyoming boasts various firsts in history and at the same time comes in last in categories like population. Without a doubt, there are plenty of fun things to learn about this state.
National Parks, Monuments and Forests
Yellowstone was the first national park in the United States (1872) and also the first in the world to receive the designation of national park. Wyoming also laid claim to the very first national forest among the 50 states, Shoshone National Forest, in 1891 and the first national monument, Devils Tower, in 1906.
Women's Rights
Wyoming was the first state among the United States to allow women to vote. This is why it is called the "Equality State." Wyoming also elected the very first female governor for any state in 1925.
Population
Wyoming is the second least-populated state in the United States, with only five people per square mile. However, when it comes to total population it ranks as the least populated of the 50 states, coming in at around 500,000 people.
Buffalo Bill
Cody, Wyoming, was named after showman William "Buffalo Bill" Cody and is home to the Buffalo Bill Historical Center---five museums dedicated to him and to Western art, culture and ecology.
Weather
Parts of Wyoming average around 200 inches of snow per year.
Department Store Beginnings
The department store chain Golden Rule Store, known today as J.C. Penney, first opened in Kemmerer, Wyoming. The name was changed from Golden Rule to J.C. Penney in 1913.
About the Author:
Jessica Bold holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. Bold has been professionally writing for one year, primarily for ehow, with articles focusing on and relating to education.
