Wednesday in Wyoming - October 14, 2026

 

Do you remember campaign buttons? I do.

These, which were part of the Voices and Votes display at the Wyoming State Museum this summer, brought back some good memories for me. 

Wednesday in Wyoming - October 7, 2026

 

Since we're approaching election time in the States, I thought I'd feature some photos from the Smithsonian's Voices and Votes traveling exhibit that came to the Wyoming State Museum this summer.

Although I thought the red, white, and blue entrance to the exhibit was attractive, what intrigued me was intrigued Thomas Paine's quote, "We have it in our power to begin the world over again." It gave me an insight into the minds of the country's founding fathers at the same time that it made me wonder whether any country has the power to do that. 

What do you think? 

Wednesday in Wyoming - September 30, 2026

 

Today's the last day of September and the last post from Vedauwoo ... at least for a while. 

I particularly liked the way the dead tree framed the panorama of aspens, evergreens and -- of course -- enormous rocks.

I hope you'll come back next month for more glimpses into Wyoming. 

Wednesday in Wyoming - September 23, 2026

 

Look closely. Do the rocks in the center look like a rabbit to you? They do to me. 

Rocks that may or may not look like something else are one of the many things I like about Vedauwoo. 

Wednesday in Wyoming - September 16, 2026

 

Sometimes it's the little things that catch my attention, like the lichen growing on these rocks at Vedauwoo. I was also intrigued by the exposed tree roots and wondered how the tree survived. 

Wednesday in Wyoming - September 9, 2026

 

One of the popular sports at Vedauwoo is climbing the rocks. You definitely wouldn't catch me doing that, but seeing how small the climber looks gives you an idea of just how large these rocks are.

Wednesday in Wyoming - September 2, 2026

 

Fall is coming to Wyoming, the golden aspen adding a new dimension of beauty to Vedauwoo. 

What's Vedauwoo? A mecca for hikers, rock climbers, picnickers, and people who simply enjoy being outdoors. Best of all, for those of us who live in Cheyenne, it's only thirty miles west of the city.

If you're interested in more information, here's the link. The article even tells you how to pronounce it! 

Wednesday in Wyoming - August 26, 2026

 

Were you expecting another bicentennial celebration post today? 

Sorry, but I chose this one from a different era because it celebrates the role women have played in state -- the first women's suffrage (1869), the first woman justice of the peace ... the list goes on. 

I'd like to tell you that women had a role in drafting the constitution, but sadly the one and only constitutional conference consisted of forty-nine men. Of course, women could and did vote for its ratification. 

Wednesday in Wyoming - August 19, 2026

 

My favorite of the State Museum's bicentennial exhibits was this one -- a red, white and blue gown. 

I could picture myself wearing it. Can you?

Wednesday in Wyoming -- August 12, 2026

 

In addition to the bicentennial quilt I showed you last week, the State Museum has other exhibits related to Wyoming's celebration of the country's 200th birthday, including this one.

Although I couldn't decide which quilt square was my favorite, I had no trouble choosing the circular "American Revolution Bicentennial" plaque in the center as my favorite part of this exhibit. I suspect it was the organizers' favorite too, and that's why they placed it where they did. 

Wednesday in Wyoming - August 5, 2026

 

While the country celebrated our semiquincentennial -- and Wyoming definitely did that -- the State Museum also remembered how we celebrated the bicentennial.

I couldn't decide which square on the bicentennial quilt was my favorite. Would it be the Liberty Bell or the state's flag with the bison or maybe the drum? so many choices!

Which would you pick? 

Wednesday in Wyoming - July 29, 2026

 

If (or should I say "when"?) you visit Cheyenne, you might want to take one of the trolley tours. They give you an excellent overview of the historic parts of town along with fascinating anecdotes about the buildings you're seeing. And, during the Halloween and Christmas holiday seasons, there are special themed rides. 

Wednesday in Wyoming - July 22, 2026

 

Last week I blogged about a Frontier Days event that's been discontinued. I'm glad to report that this one hasn't.

During the first weekend of CFD, the local Airforce base, F.E. Warren, hosts Fort D.A. Russell Days. (In case you wondered, D.A. Russell was the original name of the fort that was established at the same time as the city of Cheyenne.)

Back to the main subject. Fort D.A. Russell Days include a number of events from tours of the historic homes complete with people in 19th century dress to this one -- a demonstration of the K9 corps. I wouldn't want to be tackled by one of those dogs!

Wednesday in Wyoming - July 15, 2026

 

How often do you see this many cattle being herded along an interstate? Not very often, I'd guess.

The cattle drive used to be the traditional unofficial start to Cheyenne Frontier Days and took place during the morning of the Sunday before the official start. Unfortunately, due to safety considerations, this event, which I personally found fun to watch, has been discontinued. I'm glad I have pictures of it.

Wednesday in Wyoming - July 8, 2026

 

Have you seen the Wyoming State Seal? Many aspects of the state's history including equal rights and becoming the 44th state as well as its economy (livestock, grain, mines, oil) are portrayed on it.

If you're in Cheyenne, you can find the seal at the State Capitol building. 

Wednesday in Wyoming - July 1, 2026

 

Since America is approaching its semiquincentennial, it seemed appropriate to start the month with a picture of Wyoming's Liberty Bell. This is a full-scale replica of the original symbol of the country's independence.

You might have thought, as I did, that it was erected as part of the bicentennial celebration, but that's not the case. It was one of more than fifty Liberty Bells that the Treasury Department commissioned in 1950 to promote the sale of savings bonds. 

Was the drive successful? I don't know. What I do know is that the bell spent more than sixty years on the grounds of the state capitol before it was taken indoors to be restored. It's now in front of the State Museum.

Wednesday in Wyoming - June 24, 2026

 

Esther Morris is sometimes credited with drafting the bill that led to Wyoming becoming the first state to grant women the right to vote, but it turns out that the sole author was William Bright.

However, she holds a unique place in history. Esther Morris was the first woman justice of the peace in the United States. How's that for a first? 

Wednesday in Wyoming - June 17, 2026

 

You may have known that Wyoming was the first state to grant women suffrage, but did you know that it was a woman named Louisa Swain who cast that ballot? 

Wednesday in Wyoming - June 10, 2026

 

You probably knew that Yellowstone was the first national park, but did you know that Devils Tower (no apostrophe in it, even though a grammar purist like me would insist on one) is the world's first national monument? 

Wednesday in Wyoming - June 3, 2026

 

Since Wyomingites are proud of the fact that our state was the site of many firsts, I'm going to highlight some of them this month.

I'm sure you recognize this. Yes, it's Old Faithful, the iconic geyser from Yellowstone, the world's first national park.