Published Jun 21, 2016

If You’re Sick, These 10 Hospitals In Wyoming Are The Best In The State

HealthGrove ranks the top 10 hospitals in Wyoming based on various quality measures and patient satisfaction.

Published Jun 21, 2016

Written by

Updated Jul 12, 2024

Surprisingly, The State Of Wyoming Was The First To Do These 10 Things

Wyoming is home to many historical firsts, including the first national park, national monument, and public county library in the United States.

Updated Jul 12, 2024

Written by

Caryl

When you think of Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and Jackson Hole are usually the first things that come to mind. However, there are so many other things about Wyoming that are just as notable. Here is a list of some impressive "Wyoming firsts" that most people don't associate with our state. Interestingly enough, a lot of these have had a significant impact on our country! There are so many concepts and things invented in Wyoming that may take you by surprise.

1. Wyoming is the first state in the United States to have a public county library.

alt — Flickr/Smart Chicago Collaborative

Not many people know that the concept of county libraries is one of the things invented in Wyoming, but Albany County made history in 1887! The Albany County Public Library became the first county library system in America. Now, we can't imagine life without them.

2. Wyoming is home to the first national park in the nation.

In 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant signed the act that designated Yellowstone as a national park. It became the first national park in the nation! Funny enough, Wyoming didn't become a state until almost 20 years later in 1890.

3. Wyoming is home to the world's first national monument.

Speaking of wonderful things invented in Wyoming, we're also responsible for the National Monument designation. In 1906, Teddy Roosevelt declared Devils Tower the first national monument in the world.

4. Wyoming is home to the first business west of the Missouri River.

The business was a trading post located at the confluence of the Laramie and North Platte Rivers. This business was a fur trading post established by William Sublette and Robert Campbell. Fort Laramie is now located at this spot, and you can visit to see history preserved.

5. Women in Wyoming became the first in the nation to obtain the right to vote.

Wyoming granted women the right to vote in 1869. This was done in part to attract more single women to the area because the pioneers were struggling to grow the population way out here on the range. Wyoming's determination to keep women voting is part of what delayed our official declaration of statehood.

6. Wyoming is home to the first national forest.

The Shoshone National Forest is located in Cody and was designated a national forest in 1891. The terrain ranges anywhere from meadows to rugged mountains and shows off beautiful views along the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway.

7. Wyoming is home to the first JC Penney store! This iconic department store is one of the most well known of things invented in Wyoming.

James Cash Penney opened the first JC Penney in 1902 in Kemmerer. Today, it is still an operating retail store!

8. Wyoming had the first female governor.

A woman in a vintage dress sits gracefully, with a soft smile and a fur stole draped over her arm. — Wikimedia Commons

Nellie Tayloe Ross became the first woman governor in the United States. She was governor of Wyoming from 1925 to 1927.

9. The first and only monument in the United States built in honor of a prostitute is located in Wyoming.

This monument built in honor of a prostitute is located south of Lusk. The monument is known as the Old Mother FeatherLegs Shepard Monument and was built in 1964.

10. Wyoming is home to the first and only building built with fossilized dinosaur bones in the United States.

Fossil Cabin was built in 1932 and is located near Medicine Bow in Carbon County. This is one of the quirkiest spots in the Cowboy State and it's so worth a visit.

How many of these did you already know about? What are some other things invented in Wyoming that we should add to this list? What are some of your favorite things from Wyoming? Let us know in the comments!

These incredible concepts and the best Wyoming inventions, as well as the "firsts" in our state's history, are all part of what makes Wyoming an absolutely amazing place to explore. If you love Wyoming as much as we do, check out some of the Cowboy State gear from Wear Your Roots.

State Pride

Updated Jun 19, 2024

Here Are The 12 Biggest Risks Living In The State of Wyoming

Wyoming offers unique challenges and dangers, including wildlife encounters and harsh weather, but remains a beloved place for its residents.

Updated Jun 19, 2024

Written by

Kim Magaraci

While Wyoming is the best state in the nation for its residents, there are a few things you should be aware of before you start spending time here. These dangers of living in Wyoming are all too real - but you'll have to decide for yourself which ones may affect your everyday life. So, is Wyoming dangerous? You decide! See if you consider any of the following to be bad things about Wyoming.

1. Slightly unusual traffic jams

We've all been caught in a bison jam before. Being late thanks to wildlife is a way of life here.

2. Falling in love with Winter

Wyoming has three seasons - July, August, and Winter. If you stay here long enough, you start to think thoughts like "Oh, -20 isn't that bad" and "We really could have used more snow this winter", and that's the beginning of the end.

3. Getting lost in the wilderness

A brown bear stands among vibrant orange foliage in a natural setting, looking curiously at the viewer. — Ania Tuzel Photography/Flickr

This is another thing that happens a lot to Wyomingites. Always tell someone where you're going and when you plan to be back, so they know where to find you if you wander off the trail. This is one of the things that can kill you in Wyoming if you don't play your cards right. The wilderness is one of the most dangerous things about Wyoming.

4. Being blown away by the Wyoming wind

A herd of bison grazes in a grassy field with wind turbines in the background under a clear blue sky. — CGP Grey / Flickr

Okay, so it's unlikely you'll be blown off of Devils Tower by a big gust of wind, but we've all had to chase down some paper or an umbrella like a cartoon character before.

5. Rattlesnakes

There are only two venomous snakes in Wyoming, and you're not really likely to get bitten by one even if you do spot one off the trail. Just stay calm and give them space. Be extra careful in the Flaming Gorge area, where the Midget Faded Rattlesnake lives. This is Wyoming's most dangerous snake, but there aren't many left, and they're extraordinarily rare.

6. Occasionally, an angry grizzly.

Bear spray and bear bags, friends. You'll see grizzlies if you live here, but they'll almost always leave you alone. Sure there are dangerous animals in Wyoming, just don't give them an excuse to take an interest in you.

7. Getting stranded on the road.

All it takes is one closed gas station to really ruin a trip. Carry emergency supplies in your car, especially in winter. Lonely roads like this are among the most dangerous places in Wyoming.

8. Moose encounters

Moose are a little more frightening than grizzlies to me - they're all over the place and absolutely gigantic. Give them space and try not to run your car into any of them and you should be good.

9. Misplaced bullets

While we love our guns here, it's an unfortunate reality that our gun fatality rate is nearly twice the national average. Remember basic gun safety - lock them up, teach your kids not to play with them, and never point a gun at something you don't intend to kill.

10. Greenie encounters

Their plates may have changed but their Colorado scent remains the same! Enjoy your own Rockies, neighbors.

11. Tourist encounters

Is Wyoming safe from invading tourists? Unfortunately, encounters with tourists are one of the risks of living in Wyoming. You know, I'll take my chances with the moose and the grizzlies.

12. Never being happy anywhere else.

No matter how many perilous encounters you have with wind, bears, isolation, and greenies, there's really no place in the world like Wyoming, and those of us who live here wouldn't trade it for the world.

We hope this article helped answer the question, "Is Wyoming dangerous?" That being said, don't let this list of the "dangers" of living in Wyoming discourage you from visiting or moving to Wyoming - it really is unlike any place on Earth! Check out the ultimate and definitive bucket list for everyone in Wyoming, and be sure to make your way down the list before you succumb to the Wyoming Wind.

There's one place that people from all over the world come to visit in Wyoming, and that place is Yellowstone! Book a Full-Day Guided Yellowstone Day Tour on Viator for the adventure of a lifetime.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/wyoming/bucket-list-for-wy/

Oh, and make sure you don't fall into one of our gorgeous lakes and have fun or anything:

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If You’re Sick, These 10 Hospitals In Wyoming Are The Best In The State

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Surprisingly, The State Of Wyoming Was The First To Do These 10 Things

1. Wyoming is the first state in the United States to have a public county library.

2. Wyoming is home to the first national park in the nation.

3. Wyoming is home to the world's first national monument.

4. Wyoming is home to the first business west of the Missouri River.

5. Women in Wyoming became the first in the nation to obtain the right to vote.

6. Wyoming is home to the first national forest.

7. Wyoming is home to the first JC Penney store! This iconic department store is one of the most well known of things invented in Wyoming.

8. Wyoming had the first female governor.

9. The first and only monument in the United States built in honor of a prostitute is located in Wyoming.

10. Wyoming is home to the first and only building built with fossilized dinosaur bones in the United States.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Here Are The 12 Biggest Risks Living In The State of Wyoming

1. Slightly unusual traffic jams

2. Falling in love with Winter

3. Getting lost in the wilderness

4. Being blown away by the Wyoming wind

5. Rattlesnakes

6. Occasionally, an angry grizzly.

7. Getting stranded on the road.

8. Moose encounters

9. Misplaced bullets

10. Greenie encounters

11. Tourist encounters

12. Never being happy anywhere else.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Turn Back Time With a Stay at a Charming Retro Motel & a Meal at this Vintage Cafe in Michigan

The Story of Abandoned Taconite Harbor, Minnesota Is Truly Fascinating

7 Christmas Towns in New Jersey That Will Fill Your Heart With Holiday Cheer

This Secluded Airbnb Cabin in Minnesota Is the Perfect Place for a Digital Detox

You Can Enjoy This Unexpected Autumn Adventure in Wyoming Even After the Foliage Is Gone