The name of the state of Wyoming comes from the language of the Delaware Indians (Lenape), who lived in the eastern United States, in the territory of the modern states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and New York.
The word “Wyoming” means, according to different versions, “big valley” or “mountains and valleys.”
The word “Wyoming” was first used to name a geographic feature in Pennsylvania, where there is the Wyoming Valley.
When the U.S. Congress debated the “Wyoming Territory” in 1865, the name was first used in reference to the future state of Wyoming.
Later, the words “Cheyenne”, “Yellowstone”, “Lincoln” and others were proposed as the name of the new state, but preference was given to the name “Wyoming”, which was already generally accepted by that time.
Wyoming’s economy is based on mining, agriculture and tourism.
Mining is the main sector of the state’s economy. Wyoming ranks first among all US states in coal production and second in natural gas production. The state also produces oil, uranium, bentonite clays and many other minerals.
One of Wyoming’s traditional nicknames is the “Cowboy State.” This is not surprising; raising cattle for meat is the main focus of the state’s agriculture.
In addition, Wyoming produces sheep (the second largest wool producer in the United States), hogs, and poultry; produce dairy products.
The main crops of the “Cowboy State” are wheat, beans, barley, oats, sugar beets, sunflowers, corn, and alfalfa.