Cheyenne is the capitol city of Wyoming, and is well-known for its rodeos and railroads. But did you know that it also has a really cool history? For instance, it was the first territory or state in the United States to grant women the right to vote. Wyoming was also the first state to have a female governor! Learn more about these historic firsts in this great state, then go visit!
On May 18, 1887, the cornerstone of the Wyoming State Capitol was laid in Cheyenne. With its stunning and imposing size, to this day, it remains the dominant structure in the city’s skyline. And it also is historically one of the most important buildings in the state.
VisitCheyenne/TripAdvisor
Notably, on the grounds of the Capitol is the statue of Esther Hobart Morris, who was essential in obtaining suffrage for women in Wyoming in 1869. This is over 50 years before the 19th Amendment granted all women in the U.S. the right to vote! Wyoming was way ahead of its time!
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
As the inscription details, Esther was a proponent of the legislative act that granted equal rights to women in the Territory of Wyoming.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
You can visit Esther’s home in the rural town of South Pass City, Wyoming. In addition to co-authoring the first equal suffrage law, Esther was appointed justice of the peace in 1870, making her the first female to serve in this important judicial role.
Don Barrett/Flickr
Esther Hobart Morris played a key role in Wyoming’s history and in the history of women’s rights. Be sure to visit the statue paying honor to her and her home.
Don Barrett/Flickr
In front of the Old Cheyenne Depot Museum, be sure to check out another amazing statue honoring women: “A New Beginning” statue. This statue honors women who settled the area in the early pioneer days and is also a reminder of Wyoming trailblazing equal rights for women.
Kent Kanouse/Flickr Also of important note is that Nellie Tayloe Ross served as governor for Wyoming in 1925, the first female governor of any U.S. State! A statue honoring her is scheduled to go up in Cheyenne in the near future.
What other fun facts do you know about Cheyenne and Wyoming? Check out this historic city today!
VisitCheyenne/TripAdvisor
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Don Barrett/Flickr
Kent Kanouse/Flickr
Also of important note is that Nellie Tayloe Ross served as governor for Wyoming in 1925, the first female governor of any U.S. State! A statue honoring her is scheduled to go up in Cheyenne in the near future.
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Address: Cheyenne, WY, USA
