WYOMING

The name comes from an Indian word, and means "broad plain."

I. AREA

97,575 square miles.

II. POPULATION

(1900) 92,531.

(1890) 60,705.

(1868) 9,118.

III. AGRICULTURE AND MANUFACTURES

It is estimated that 12,000,000 acres can be made fit for cultivation by means of irrigation. The elevation of the state (average probably 6400 feet) also limits agricultural production, as cereals and other ordinary products of the section will not thrive above 7500 feet. Stock raising is the leading pursuit. Mineral resources are still to a great extent undeveloped. There are about 13,000,000 acres of coal fields, and large oil districts.

The acreage irrigated in 1900 was 605,878, and its value $2,886,949.

The value of farm products for 1900 was $11,907,415, as against $2,241,590 in 1890 and $372,391 in 1880.

The value of manufactured products for 1900 was $4,301,240, and that of real and personal property $37,892,303.

Oats

IV. PRODUCTS

(1900) 763,370 bu. Value $292,630.
(1890) 388,505 “

(1880) 22,512 “

Wheat (1900) 348,890 bu. Value $191,195.

Wool (1900) 27,758,309 lbs. Value $4,036,227.

V. HISTORICAL EVENTS

1841. The first emigrant train for Oregon and California crossed Wyoming.

1867. Gold was discovered and Cheyenne city established. 1868. Wyoming territory was organized from Dakota,

Idaho, and Utah.

1890. The territory was admitted into the Union as a state. 1894. A rich gold strike is made in Dutch Tom Gulch. 1902. Completion of the longest aërial tramway in the

world, extending from Battle Creek to Grand Encampment, a distance of sixteen miles.

The following table, based on the last census, summarizes the area, population, and taxable property of the states and territories of the Louisiana Purchase.

Total

1,024,630 14,887,063 $6,616,651,829

The Louisiana territory, once ridiculed as for the most part a barren wilderness, now contains as many inhabitants as there were dollars paid to make the purchase.

The figures of the table show that the wealth which is taxed is four hundred and forty-one times the amount of the original purchase money. More than this, the splendid courage and energy shown in the development of the territory, and the quality of the citizens whom its opportunities have added to our country, represent a value which is beyond price.

1 Included in part in the Purchase.

INDEX