135 Years of Wyoming: Built by Business, Powered by People

On July 10th, 1890, Wyoming became the 44th state in the Union. And for the past 135 years, it hasn’t been skyscrapers or sprawling metros that have defined our economy, it’s been our communities, our small businesses, and the relentless drive of Wyoming’s people.

From the railroad boom in Cheyenne to the refinery roots of Casper, to the energy-rich landscapes of Gillette, and the frontier trade history of Laramie and Sheridan, Wyoming’s economy has always been shaped by innovation, resilience, and the unshakable bond between business and community.

A Legacy of Business Across the State

• Cheyenne quickly rose to prominence as a rail and trade hub in the late 1800s, earning the nickname “Magic City of the Plains” due to its rapid growth. Today, it remains a center for logistics, state governance, and small business development.

• Casper, known as the "Oil City," played a central role in powering the West. The oil boom of the early 20th century turned Casper into a magnet for entrepreneurs and industry, many of whose families are still building businesses today.

• Gillette, the "Energy Capital of the Nation," helped put Wyoming on the map as a leader in natural resources. The city’s entrepreneurial backbone has driven not only the energy sector, but also the growth of local services, manufacturing, and retail.

• Sheridan developed its economy on the strength of ranching and trade. Its historic downtown has become a model for how small towns can blend heritage with modern commerce, filled with locally owned shops and restaurants.

• Laramie, home to the University of Wyoming, has long been a crossroads of education, research, and business. With a strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, Laramie has emerged as a tech-forward community supporting the next generation of Wyoming employers.

• Jackson Hole evolved from a remote trapping and ranching outpost into one of the most recognizable destinations in the American West. While tourism is the star, the region’s economy is also shaped by conservation, outdoor recreation industries, and a vibrant network of small businesses serving both visitors and locals year-round.

• Rock Springs earned the nickname City of “56 Nationalities” thanks to its diverse workforce drawn by the booming coal mining industry in the late 1800s. That spirit of grit and resilience still defines the city today, as Rock Springs continues to thrive through mining, energy, and transportation.

Wyoming by the Numbers

• Small businesses make up 98.9% of all businesses in the state.

• These businesses employ more than 56% of Wyoming’s private workforce.

• Wyoming’s GDP in 2023 was over $44 billion, driven not just by legacy industries but by a growing network of small businesses, innovators, and community-driven enterprises.

What Comes Next?

Business in Wyoming has never been just about profit, it’s about purpose. In towns big and small, Wyomingites build companies that support their neighbors, mentor local students, and invest in the future. Whether it's a fifth-generation family store in Buffalo, a custom cabinet maker in Riverton, or a new tech startup in Douglas, Wyoming's business community is grounded in relationships and resilience.

And across the state, Chambers of Commerce, Main Street programs, and local leaders are stepping up to ensure that Wyoming remains a place where businesses can launch, grow, and thrive, without losing the hometown feel that makes us who we are.

As we mark Wyoming’s 135th Statehood Day, we honor the entrepreneurs, shop owners, risk-takers, and community champions who have kept our state moving forward for over a century. Wyoming is built by business and powered by the people who believe in a better tomorrow. Here's to 135 years of rolling up our sleeves and getting it done the Wyoming way.