Wyoming Women's Suffrage Leaders

Though lovingly referred to as the "Cowboy State,” Wyoming’s true nickname is the "Equality State.” And for good reason. On December 10, 1869, Wyoming passed the first unconditional law in the U.S. permanently guaranteeing women their inherent right to vote and hold office, in addition to being home to other firsts for women throughout history.

The first female to cast a vote after being granted universal suffrage, where this right was maintained in perpetuity, did so in Wyoming’s small town of Laramie a full 50 years before women could vote in the rest of the nation. The first female governor was elected in Wyoming and the nation's first woman to be appointed to public office was done so in South Pass City, Wyoming. In addition, the Equality State is also the home to the first female jurors, the world's first female bailiff and the first town that was governed entirely by women.

When invited to join the Union only if women’s suffrage was revoked, Wyoming’s legislature said, “We will remain out of the Union one hundred years rather than come in without the women.” In 1890, Wyoming became the 44th state... with the women.

In 2019, Wyoming will celebrate the 150th anniversary of women's suffrage in the state. To celebrate, we're deeming 2019 the Year of Wyoming Women. To this day the ladies of Wyoming continue a strong legacy of female empowerment and leadership, pushing boundaries to live out their dreams. Explore the stories of these inspiring Wyoming women.

Share your own stories with us on social media using #ThatsWYwomen.

From restaurants and distilleries to museums and inns, many of Wyoming's businesses are run be female entrepeneurs. Take a look at the listings below to see some of the women-owned businesses and locations highlighting women's history in the Equality State.