Introduction
Wyoming (abbr.: WY or Wyo), state of the United States of America, 253,597 km2, with 453,000 inhabitants, capital: Cheyenne.
Physical Geography
Wyoming is one of the highest states in the United States (average altitude 2000 m). The lowest point (945 m) is in the northeast, where the Belle Fourche exits the state. Wyoming is three quarters of the Rocky Mountains and covers almost the entire Central Rockies, consisting of a number of large and high-lying basins, enclosed by mountain ranges, the highest of which is the Wind River Range (Gannett Peak, 4207 m, Fremont Peak, 4185 m)., Mount Bonneville, 3,821 m, Atlantic Peak, 3,884 m). The south and southwest of the state is formed by the large Sweetwater Basin, a basin located at an altitude of 2000 to 2300 m, which is divided into smaller basins by low mountain ridges. The most spectacular part of Wyoming is the northwest; here on the Yellowstone plateau at 2373 m altitude lies the large Yellowstone Lake (360 km2) in a beautiful, cool landscape. In the approximately 9,000 km2 Yellowstone National Park (partly located in Montana and Idaho), post-volcanic phenomena such as geysers, hot springs and limestone terraces occur. South of this park is the Teton Range with the 4,196 m high Grand Teton and at the foot of it Jackson Lake; this area is also protected as Grand Teton National Park (approx. 1250 km2). The eastern fourth of Wyoming belongs to the Great Plains.
The continental divide runs through Wyoming from Yellowstone National Park. The southwest belongs to the area of the Green River with its tributaries. The Teton Range drains through the Snake River. Northern and eastern Wyoming belong to the Missouri River Basin. To prevent runoff and for irrigation, many dams have been built in the rivers in the dry area, creating large water reservoirs there as well. Wyoming has a continental climate with an annual amplitude greater than 30°C and a diurnal amplitude that is often greater. With the height of the mountains, the temperature decreases rapidly. Precipitation is generally low (average 400 mm), but there are large differences. Most rain falls in early summer.
Population
The average population density is 2 inhabitants. per km2. About 65% of the population lives in urban areas. The largest cities are the capital Cheyenne and Casper. See top cities in Wyoming.
Economy
Mining is the main economic sector and petroleum is the main mineral; in addition, the state (as well as Colorado and Utah) has significant quantities of oil shales; the stock of petroleum from these shales is estimated for Wyoming at more than 6.7 billion m3. In addition, natural gas and coal are extracted. Agriculture, especially livestock, is the second most important economic activity (cattle and poultry, sheep). The main crops grown are: hay, barley, sugar beet, wheat. More than 50% of the value added by industry comes from the sector that is based on mining (mainly on oil extraction). There is also food production. Tourism is the third important economic sector.
Sights
Tourist attractions include Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks; the Big Horn, Black Hills, Bridger, Medicine Bow, Shoshone, and Teton National Forests; Hot Springs State Park and Devil’s Tower National Monument. Wyoming has large herds of gaff antelope and wapiti; there are also gray and black bears, coyotes, pumas and the like. There are several ski areas. The historic routes of the Overland Trail, Oregon Trail, Bridger Trail, and Pony Express are lined with trading posts, military forts, and stopping places.
History
Whether the De la Verendrye brothers were the first Europeans to reach the area as early as the 18th century is uncertain. It is certain that since the beginning of the 19th century fur traders explored the country. In 1832 Captain Bonville traveled through the area with an expedition of 110 men, and in 1842/1843 Fremont explored the land for the United States government. Shortly afterward, the great influx of pioneers came, heading for Oregon and Utah. The first to settle permanently in the area were the Mormons (1847). More intensive colonization occurred after the discovery of gold in 1867. In 1868, Wyoming was organized as a territory. At the same time, the Indians were expelled or placed on reservations, sometimes after bitter fighting (Fetterman massacre, Dec. 21, 1866). Wyoming was incorporated into the Union as the 44th state in 1890.
National Parks Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park
In 1872, Yellowstone National Park was established, making it the first national park in the entire United States and the world. At the same time, it is also one of the largest and most visited parks in the United States. It covers an area of 8,987 km² and straddles the territory of Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. The center of the park consists of a wide volcanic plateau formed from solidified lava. Other well-known features of the park include geysers, hot springs, Yellowstone Lake, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and a number of huge waterfalls. In 1988, the park was hit by a massive wildfire that reduced 321 acres of forest to ashes. The park is also home to the famous Old Faithful geyser which every so often produces tall fountains of scalding hot water. Hotels and campsites where you can stay overnight can be found at all the major attractions in Yellowstone National Park. Many attractions in the park are accessible by car, but not all.
Grand Teton National Park
In 1929, the park was established to include a few mountains and a lowland landscape, but in 1950 the Jackson Hole National Monument was added. In 1972, the Rockefeller Parkway was built that runs from Grand Teton National Park to Yellowstone National Park. Within the boundaries of the park lies much of the Grand Tetons Mountains, which contain numerous lakes, alpine weeds and streams. Moose are very common in the park, as are gaff antelopes, black bears, grizzlies, coyotes, beavers, weasels, bighorn sheep, mule deer and bison. The Grand Teton Lodge Company is the place to stay and it is very close to the park nearby.