Definition
Wyoming Territory was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from July 25, 1868, until July 10, 1890, when it was admitted to the Union as the State of Wyoming.
Overview
The Wyoming Territory was created by an act of Congress on July 25, 1868, separating it from portions of the Dakota, Idaho, and Utah Territories. Its initial boundaries comprised the present-day state of Wyoming, with minor adjustments to its eastern border in 1869 and its western border in 1870. The territorial capital was first established at Cheyenne, which remained the administrative center throughout the territory’s existence. The territorial government consisted of a governor appointed by the President, a bicameral legislature (a Council and a House of Representatives), and a judicial system headed by a territorial supreme court.
During its 22‑year existence, the territory experienced significant settlement and economic development, driven primarily by the expansion of the transcontinental railroad, cattle ranching, mining (notably coal, gold, and copper), and agriculture. The passage of the Wyoming Organic Act provided the framework for governance, while the Homestead Act of 1862 and subsequent amendments encouraged migration and land claims.
The territory is notable for early strides in women's rights: in 1869, the Wyoming Territorial Legislature granted women the right to vote, making it the first U.S. jurisdiction to do so. This progressive policy contributed to Wyoming’s nickname, “The Equality State.”
Etymology/Origin
The name “Wyoming” derives from the Lenape (Delaware) word “Maughwauwama” (often rendered as “Wyoming”), meaning “at the large plains” or “large open space.” Early American explorers and mapmakers applied the name to a river in Pennsylvania; its use was later transferred to the western region during the mid‑19th century, reflecting the area’s expansive prairie landscape.
Characteristics
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Geography: The territory encompassed a mixture of high plains, mountainous terrain (including portions of the Rocky Mountains), and river valleys. Major geographical features included the Laramie and Sweetgrass Rivers, the Wind River Range, and the Black Hills (partially within the territory’s initial western extent).
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Population: Census data indicate that the population grew from roughly 7,000 in 1870 to over 62,000 by 1890. Settlement patterns were concentrated along railroad lines, particularly the Union Pacific Railway, and around mining towns such as Evanston and South Pass City.
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Economy: Primary economic activities comprised cattle ranching, agriculture (wheat, barley, and sugar beets), and mineral extraction. Coal mining expanded after the discovery of substantial coal fields near Wilcox in the 1880s, fueling railroad and industrial growth.
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Governance: The territorial governor acted as the chief executive, with authority to appoint officials, dismiss the legislature, and enforce federal law. The territorial legislature met annually in Cheyenne, enacting statutes on land use, taxation, and public order. The judicial system, overseen by a federally appointed chief justice, handled civil and criminal matters.
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Legal Milestones: Aside from women's suffrage, the territory enacted early labor protections, including statutes regulating child labor in mines. The 1882 “Wyoming Act” prohibited the importation of Chinese laborers, reflecting broader national immigration policies of the era.
Related Topics
- Statehood of Wyoming – The process and political negotiations that led to Wyoming’s admission as the 44th state in 1890.
- Wyoming Organic Act (1868) – The congressional legislation establishing the territorial government and boundaries.
- Women’s suffrage in the United States – Wyoming’s role as a pioneer in granting voting rights to women.
- Transcontinental Railroad – Impact of the Union Pacific Railway on settlement and economic development in the territory.
- Native American Tribes in Wyoming – Historical presence and treaties involving the Shoshone, Arapaho, Crow, and Lakota peoples.
References
- United States Congress, “An Act to provide a temporary Government for the Territory of Wyoming,” July 25, 1868.
- Wyoming State Archives, “Territorial Census Records, 1870–1880.”
- B. L. G. Kline, Wyoming: A History of the Frontier State (University of Oklahoma Press, 1998).
- “Women’s Suffrage in Wyoming,” National Women's History Museum, accessed 2026.