Wyoming State Day, Motto, and Nickname

STATE DAY July 10 STATUS Unofficial DATE OF ADMISSION TO UNITED STATES July 10, 1890 RANKING IN STATE ADMISSION 44th FORMER DESIGNATION Oregon Country Wyoming Territory HISTORY Wyoming Territory was formed in 1869, after continued growth in population and economic strength contributed by the cattle industry ensured that the area was a viable candidate for future statehood. It wasn’t until 1888 that the Territorial Assembly finally got around to sending a petition to the U.S. Congress for admission to the Union. Although bills were introduced in both houses of Congress, they did not pass at that time. Even though no enabling act was passed, the governor of the territory decided to continue with the process as though it had been, and called for the only constitutional convention Wyoming was ever to have in September 1889. Voters approved the constitution on November 5, 1889. By December 1889 bills were introduced in both of the houses of the U.S. Congress. President Benjamin Harrison signed the bill authorizing Wyoming’s statehood and it became the 44th state of the Union on July 10, 1890. MOTTO "Equal Rights" The Wyoming motto reflects the attitude and history of the people of the state. Wyoming was the first government in the world to grant women the rights to vote, to serve on juries, and to hold public office. The state also led the way by electing the first female public official, appointing the first female justice of the peace, and electing the first female state governor. NICKNAMES "Big Wyoming," "The Equality State," "The Cowboy State," "The Suffrage State," "The Sagebrush State," "The Wonderland of America"  "Big Wyoming" refers to the fact that Wyoming is the 10th largest state in the Union and is sparsely populated. "The Equality State" refers to Wyoming’s history as an equal rights trailblazer. Famous for its cowboys, Wyoming is known as "The Cowboy State." "The Suffrage State" was used right after Wyoming granted voting rights to women. "The Sagebrush State" refers to the large areas of the state that are covered with this shrub. "The Wonderland of America" refers to the many natural wonders of the state and promotes Wyoming tourism. -World Trade Press