7 Nicknames for Wyoming You Should Know

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Nicknames for Wyoming are tied to its dramatic landscapes and unique history. Wyoming is bordered by six states and is defined by its stunning scenery, most notably the Rocky Mountains and its highest point, Gannett Peak, which rises to just over 13,800 feet. This breathtaking landscape may be one reason why a vintage decal once dubbed Wyoming the "Wonderland of America."

But that's just one of several nicknames Wyoming has earned over time. From the "Cowboy State" to the "Equality State," each moniker reflects a piece of Wyoming's culture, history, or geography.

Curious to know where these Wyoming nicknames came from? Keep reading to discover the stories behind seven of the state's most iconic names.

7 Wyoming Nicknames

Big Wyoming

"Big Wyoming" is an affectionate nickname used by the state's residents. The term "big" refers to the contrast between Wyoming's vast land area and its relatively small population size.

With just over 580,000 people, Wyoming is the least-populated state in the U.S., yet it's the 9th largest by area. That amounts to roughly six people per square mile, which means a lot of wide-open space for so few people!

You can even spot a distinctive welcome sign near Devils Tower, at the South Dakota–Wyoming border, that reads: "Welcome to Big Wonderful Wyoming."

The Park State

Although not a widely known nickname, Wyoming is sometimes called the "Park State." The reason is simple: it's home to two of the most-visited national parks in the country.

Yellowstone National Park, the world's first national park, attracts millions of visitors every year. Nearby is Grand Teton National Park, known for its dramatic peaks, clear lakes, and scenic trails.

Wyoming also has over 100,000 acres of state parks, and over half its land is managed by federal agencies. Vast public spaces, like those around Green River, offer endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. With so much open land and natural beauty, the "Park State" is a fitting nickname for Wyoming.

The Cowboy State

The "Cowboy State" is one of Wyoming's most well-known nicknames. As settlers traveled from California, Utah, and Oregon, they often abandoned livestock at the Wyoming frontier, fearing the animals would slow them down or not survive the region's harsh winters.

Instead of perishing in the harsh winter, the livestock survived by grazing on native grasslands and sagebrush. Word spread of the free-roaming cattle and sheep, attracting new settlers who claimed the animals, built ranches, and helped establish Wyoming's cowboy culture.

This legacy is symbolized by the iconic bucking horse and rider logo, first used around 1918. In 1936, Wyoming became the first state to feature it on license plates, making it the world's longest-running plate motif and a lasting emblem of "The Cowboy State."

The Sagebrush State

While not an official motto or a commonly cited nickname, Wyoming is well known for its vast expanses of sagebrush. Wyoming has more sagebrush than any other state in the U.S.

This sagebrush ecosystem played a crucial role in the survival of the abandoned livestock mentioned above. The animals thrived by grazing on this hardy shrub, which flourishes in cold, mountainous climates. Without sagebrush as fodder, Wyoming's identity as the "Cowboy State" might never have developed.

The Suffrage State

The "Suffrage State" nickname is firmly tied to Wyoming's proud distinction as the first territory in the country to grant women the right to vote and hold public office. This landmark legislation was passed in 1869, marking a major victory for the women's suffrage movement.

Remarkably, this occurred before Wyoming became a state in the U.S. The all-male legislature took a bold stand, knowing that granting women's suffrage could jeopardize Wyoming's future bid for statehood. Yet they stood by the decision, earning Wyoming its lasting title: The "Suffrage State."

The Equality State

The nickname, the "Equality State," sometimes competes with the "Cowboy State" in representing Wyoming. In 1935, the Wyoming legislature designated the "Equality State" as the state's official nickname.

The "Equality State" refers to Wyoming's historic achievement as the first place in the United States to grant women the right to vote in 1869.

This nickname is proudly displayed on the state flag and seal, which bear the motto "Equal Rights." In 2007, Wyoming issued a state quarter featuring the bucking horse and rider and the nickname the "Equality State."

The Wonderland of America

In the 1960s and 1970s, a Texas-based company issued a decal featuring the bucking horse and rider logo and the words "Wyoming, The Wonderland of America."

This decal, designed to be applied to luggage or any smooth surface, is now considered a vintage collectible, with some available for sale on eBay. Although this nickname is lesser-known, it adds another name to Wyoming's diverse collection.

In Summary

Nicknames can be fascinating, especially when their origins aren't immediately obvious. This article explored how Wyoming came to be known by seven different nicknames and mottos, each highlighting a unique aspect of the state.

Hopefully, you've gained a deeper appreciation for the "Cowboy State"—and maybe even feel inspired to visit it yourself!

This article was edited by Loredana Gogoescu.

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