Wyoming is the 10th largest, least populated, and the second least densely populated state. Nevertheless, the mountain ranges and rivers that dominate the western landscape of the state attract plentiful part-time seasonal residents and tourists, many who are accompanied by dogs. Wyoming hosts Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, the Yellowstone River, the Snake River, and the Jackson Hole resort area.
Wyoming became a recognized territory in 1868 and became the 44th state in 1890. Despite Wyoming’s small population, the state is one of notable firsts. In 1872, Yellowstone became the United States’ first national park. Wyoming was the first territory and later state to grant women the right to vote. The Wyoming territory allowed women the right to vote since 1869. In comparison, the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution, which granted women’s suffrage, was not passed until August 1920. In 1924, Wyoming became the first state to elect a female governor. Consequently, Wyoming has earned the nickname, “The Equality State.”
The Wyoming economy is mostly comprised of mining, energy, agriculture, and tourism. The state does not have a personal income tax or a death tax, which makes Wyoming a sound place for wealthy persons to establish a primary residence.
CPT concentrated its Wyoming visit in Jackson, WY. Jackson is in the Jackson Hole resort area, which is situated near the Wyoming-Idaho border within the Teton Mountain and Snake River valleys.
Initially, the town of Jackson was settled by trappers and cattle homesteaders. However, now tourism is the focus of the Jackson Hole area. Although Jackson’s population is listed as slightly under 10,000, the town is visited by millions of tourists who pass through the area on their way to the Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks and who stay in the summer for hiking, camping, horseback riding, canoeing, white water rafting, shopping, and an outstanding arts and wildlife art community and who remain in the winter for some of the country’s best skiing and snowmobiling.
While exploring Jackson and its business opportunities, Mark and Lizzy also took time to visit the town square, eat an outstanding locally grown meal, and go horseback riding. On the way back to Idaho, Mark and Lizzy visited the Soda Springs Geyser, the nation’s largest capped geyser.