Population: 568.158 thousand people (2011)
Area: 253348.0 sq. km
Wyoming, the State of Equality, belongs to the group of so-called Mountain States. On the map, it looks like a regular rectangle, the boundaries of which are strictly limited by latitudes and meridians. In the language of the local tribes, “Wyoming” means “changeable mountains and valleys.”
In the east of Wyoming lies a small section of the Great Plains, which passes into the Bighorn and Front Range mountain ranges. Then they descend to the Wyoming Plateau. Gannet Peak (4202 meters) is the highest point in the state. Average heights exceed 2,000 meters. Because of this, the sharply continental climate characteristic of this part of North America has some features. In particular, even in summer, despite the high daytime temperatures, it is cool at night. And in winter, winters are snowy and cold. The state of Wyoming is a major watershed area. Here are the origins of the basins of the three great rivers of America – the Mississippi (in Wyoming, its largest tributary, the Missouri, as well as the Yellowstone River originates), the Colorado (Green River) and Columbia(Snake River). Of the lakes, only Yellowstone can be distinguished. The landscapes of Wyoming are very diverse: there are coniferous, mixed forests, and semi-deserts are characteristic of the southern regions. In the bowels of the state lie coal, gas, oil, uranium, natural soda.
The Shoshone, Crow, Arapaho, Sioux, and Sheyenne were the original population of Wyoming before the advent of Europeans. Only in 1743 did the first European explorers arrive here – the Frenchmen Louis Verendry and Frans Francois. Wyoming later belonged to the French Louisiana colony. In 1803, the state in the Rocky Mountains was among the territories purchased by the United States from France. When the South Pass was opened in 1827, opening the way to the Pacific Ocean, the Union Pacific strategic railroad ran through Wyoming. In 1869, Wyoming granted women the right to vote, earning the state its nickname. In 1890 it became the 44th US state.
Tourism plays an important role in Wyoming’s economy. The level of urbanization of the state is low, so the main tourist sites are associated with the natural resources of the region. Yellowstone, famous for its geological, landscape and biological diversity, is the most popular national park in the United States. It attracts both ordinary tourists and rock climbers, climbers, and extreme sportsmen. A well-known natural monument is the Devil’s Tower – a 368-meter rock of a bizarre shape. Grand Teton National Park, located in the heart of the mountains, is characterized by unusually picturesque places and a large number of climbers.
CHEYENNE
Population: 59.466 thousand people (2010)
Area: 63.8 sq. km
Founded: 1867
Time zone: UTC-7, summer UTC-6
Altitude: 1848 m
Wyoming ‘s capital Cheyenne is located in the southeast of the state, located on the banks of the Crow Creek. Despite its metropolitan status, Cheyenne is a small city, where 80% of the population is represented by descendants of Europeans.
The history of Cheyenne is not rich in events. It is known that the city appeared in 1867 during the construction of the railway. At first it was a workers’ camp, named by General Dodge in honor of the Cheyenne Indian tribe. Then it grew into a “full-fledged” city. The rapid development of the city gave rise to its nickname: “Magic City of the Plains”. There is another nickname: the city of the Frontier. For a certain time, Cheyenne was the largest settlement in this section of the Wild West (the so-called Frontier). Cheyenne has a US Air Force base, wind power is developed, and the majority of the population is employed in the public sector.
Every year at the end of July, up to 200,000 vacationers come to Cheyenne. Their goal is the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo Festival, which lasts 10 days and is considered one of the largest such events in the United States. Attractions in Cheyenne are represented by the State Capitol building, the Wyoming Governor’s Mansion, a botanical garden and several museums, including the Frontier Museum.
Rock Springs, Wyoming
History and Climate of Rock Springs, Wyoming:
History:
- Native Inhabitants: The history of Rock Springs, Wyoming, begins with the indigenous peoples who inhabited the region for thousands of years. Tribes such as the Shoshone and Ute used the land for hunting and gathering, taking advantage of the resources provided by the high desert environment.
- Exploration and Fur Trading: In the early 19th century, European and American fur trappers and traders explored the area, attracted by the abundant wildlife. The Oregon Trail, a major westward migration route, passed through the region, contributing to increased exploration and settlement.
- Establishment of Fort: In the 1860s, during the construction of the transcontinental railroad, Rock Springs gained prominence as a transportation hub. The town’s history is closely tied to the development of the railroad, and a military post, Fort Lewis, was established to protect the railroad workers and travelers.
- Coal Mining Boom: The late 19th century saw the emergence of Rock Springs as a significant coal mining town. The Union Pacific Coal Company began mining operations, attracting a diverse population of immigrants to work in the mines. Chinese, European, and other immigrant groups contributed to the town’s cultural diversity.
- Rock Springs Massacre: The town gained national attention in 1885 due to the Rock Springs Massacre, a violent confrontation between Chinese and European immigrant miners. The incident resulted in the deaths of numerous Chinese miners and marked a dark chapter in Rock Springs’ history.
- Economic Diversification: Over the years, Rock Springs diversified its economy beyond coal mining. Agriculture, including sheep and cattle ranching, became important, and the town served as a supply center for surrounding ranches. Rock Springs also benefited from the growth of nearby oil and natural gas industries.
- Expansion of Transportation Networks: The expansion of highways and the development of Interstate 80 in the mid-20th century further connected Rock Springs to regional and national transportation networks. This improved accessibility facilitated economic growth and enhanced the town’s role as a regional center.
- Modern Economy: In recent decades, Rock Springs has continued to evolve economically. The town remains a hub for energy-related industries, including coal, oil, and natural gas. The expansion of the nearby trona mining industry, which extracts soda ash used in various products, has also contributed to the local economy.
Climate:
According to Equzhou, Rock Springs, Wyoming, experiences a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons.
- Summer (June-August): Summers in Rock Springs are warm, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit. While daytime temperatures can be comfortable, evenings may cool down due to the town’s high elevation. Summer is a season for outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and fishing.
- Fall (September-November): Fall brings a gradual cooling of temperatures, with average highs ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit. The changing colors of the surrounding sagebrush and foothills create a scenic landscape. Fall is a popular time for hunting and enjoying the outdoors.
- Winter (December-February): Winters in Rock Springs are cold, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to mid-30s Fahrenheit. Snowfall is common, and the town experiences winter sports, including snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Cold temperatures are characteristic of the high desert climate.
- Spring (March-May): Spring sees a gradual warming of temperatures, with average highs ranging from the mid-40s to mid-60s Fahrenheit. As vegetation begins to bloom, Rock Springs experiences a renewal of life. Spring is a time for outdoor activities, and residents may witness the arrival of migratory birds.
The semi-arid climate of Rock Springs is influenced by its high elevation and proximity to the Rocky Mountains. While the town experiences temperature extremes, residents and visitors appreciate the opportunities for outdoor recreation and the distinctive landscapes shaped by the high desert environment. Rock Springs’ history and climate contribute to its unique identity as a town rooted in Western heritage and resilient in the face of economic changes.
