Wyoming: The Equality State

Wyoming: The Equality State — page 1
4 WYOMING INTRODUCTION Nature had collected all of her beauties together in one chosen place That was explorer John C Frémont’s description of the land that became the state of Wyoming when he first set eyes on it in 1842 Since then many others have admired Wyoming’s breathtaking natural beauty As a result of this inspiring landscape the state enjoys a special place in the country’s history Wyoming is the site of the first land to be set aside as a nationally protected area Yellowstone National Park While many other remarkable natural regions are associated with Wyoming such as Grand Teton National Park and Devils Tower no other national park can equal Yellowstone’s historic appeal Wagon trains are a great way to explore Wyoming’s open plains During the trips adventurers can camp under the stars and listen to cowboy ballads around the campfire The state flag has a white bison with the state seal on its side The bison stands against a blue background The flag’s white border is a symbol of purity while the red represents the blood shed by early pioneers and the state’s Native American population The 1,267-foot Devils Tower is a sacred site of worship for many Native Americans According to legend the rock’s marks were made by the claws of a giant bear Yellowstone National Park became the world’s first national park in 1872 The state mammal is the bison the state bird is the meadowlark and the state reptile is the horned toad