The path to statehood for Wyoming began with the formation of the Wyoming Territory in 1869. By the 1880s, the territory had witnessed significant growth and development, with a population exceeding 60,000. The demand for statehood gained momentum, driven by factors such as the territory's economic prosperity from mining and agriculture, its stable government, and its commitment to women's suffrage.
In 1889, Wyoming's territorial legislature approved a constitution that included a provision granting women the right to vote and hold office. This was a groundbreaking step for women's rights at a time when most states in the country did not allow women to vote.
The admission of Wyoming as a state was not without its challenges. There were concerns among some in Congress about the territory's small population and its lack of a sizeable manufacturing sector. However, the strong advocacy from Wyoming's residents and supporters, as well as the broader context of the growing women's suffrage movement, ultimately contributed to the state's admission.
On July 10, 1890, President Benjamin Harrison signed the Omnibus Bill into law, officially granting statehood to Wyoming. Wyoming became the 44th state of the United States, and its admission was a significant milestone in the history of women's suffrage and in the evolution of American democracy.
