The University of Wyoming, located in the city of Laramie, is quite literally positioned above nearly every other major university in the United States as it sits high on the Laramie Plains at an elevation of 7,200 feet. Founded in September of 1886 the college sits close to a mile and a half above sea level and is the product of a land-grant university initiative from the late 1800s.

The term land grant university is the common vernacular for institutions of higher learning that received federal funds as a result of the congressional Morrill Acts of Parliament 1862 and more recently in 1890. Even during the latter parts of the nineteenth century many of the United States was unoccupied and filled with an abundance of government controlled land for lack of a better use. In an effort to bolster education the federal government granted upstart and existing universities land through a process that related giving control of the land to the states with the regulations that the states would then either sell the land to raise educational funds or directly develop the land for higher educational purposes. The specific purpose of this act was to develop colleges where practical trades like engineering, agriculture, science, and other endeavors related to the industrial revolution could be learned. Up until this point in history universities predominately focused on what was then considered classical studies and is today largely referred to as liberal arts.

With a growing student population the University of Wyoming now boasts an enrollment of over 13,000 pupils. The opportunity for citizens of the state to send their children to college within such close relative proximity was not a luxury the residents always had. The importance of having such an important institution within the state boundaries was a fact not lost on the locals who had a Latin phrase inscribed on the landmark building at the time of the September, 1886 opening. The Latin phrase which can still be read today (despite numerous renovations to the Old Main) translates to, “He need not go away from home for instruction.” Despite the use of the pronoun “he” the University of Wyoming admitted a coeducational class of 42 women and men when classes began.

If you are planning on including some of the activities offered by Wyoming tourism as part of your vacation, then you are already on your way to a time of adventure and learning. So, before you go to this vast state, why not take a few minutes to learn about the people and places of Wyoming? After all, the more you know before you get there, the more you will enjoy your visit.

Since it was “discovered” by those early American adventurers, Wyoming has changed quite a bit, and yet still remains the same. After all, with towering mountains, wide open plains, magnificent waterfalls and miles of trails for hiking or skiing; Wyoming’s bountiful lands are just as gorgeous as ever. But with the advancements in technology and industry, Wyoming is continuing to reach to the future. Today, guest will find a plethora of museums, fine eateries, art galleries and cultural art productions as well high rises and elegant malls and accommodations.So, as you plan your trip to Wyoming, here is some basic Q&A about Wyoming. How many of them do you already know?

Questions:

1. Where did Wyoming get its name?
2. What is the capital of Wyoming?
3. What nicknames does Wyoming have?
4. When did Wyoming get its statehood?
5. What is the motto of Wyoming?
6. What is the state bird?
7. What is the state flower?
8. What is the state gemstone?
9. What is the state mammal?
10. What is the state tree?
11. What is the state dinosaur?
12. What famous park is located in Wyoming and was the first National Park?
13. True of False-In government, Wyoming was the first state to give women the right to vote.
14. What is the country’s first national monument?
15. How many Indian reservations are there in Wyoming?

Answers:

1. The name Wyoming comes from the Delaware Indian phrase meche-weami +ing meaning “land of mountains and valleys alternating”.
2. Wyoming Capital – Cheyenne
3. Nickname(s) – Equality State and the Cowboy State
4. Motto – Equal Rig
5. Statehood – July 10, 1890: it was the 44th state
6. State Bird – Meadowlark
7. State Flower – Indian Paintbrush
8. State Gemstone – Jade
9. State Mammal – Bison
10. State Tree – Cottonwood
11. State dinosaur-Triceratops
12. Yellowstone National Park, formed in 1872
13. True- Wyoming gave women the right to vote in 1869
14. Devils Tower became the first national monument in 1906.
15. Wyoming has 1 Indian reservation, the Wind River Reservation where the Shoshone and the Northern Arapaho tribes live.

So, are you ready for your Wyoming trip? Of course you are! After all, even if you didn’t know all 15 answers, you are still certain to have a
fantastic trip as you discover all the gems that Wyoming tourism has to offer