Fun Fact: Cheyenne Is Only The ‘Temporary’ Capital Of Wyoming

Did you know Cheyenne is not the "permanent" capital city of Wyoming? Lander may also have a legal claim to the Capitol in the Wyoming Constitution.

Cheyenne was originally established as the seat of the newly formed Wyoming Territorial government in 1869. In 1886, the Territorial Legislature authorized the construction of a Capitol building, which later became the State Capitol when Wyoming was granted statehood in 1890. However, a clause in the first state constitution only established Cheyenne as the Capitol on a temporary basis, pending a statewide election.

By 1904, Casper, Lander, and Rock Springs had emerged as challengers. Casper was an important shipping center for the state's wool industry and was experiencing its first oil boom. Casper and Lander argued that their geographical location in the middle of the state made them better choices for the Capitol than Cheyenne.

When the election was held, Cheyenne received just over 40 percent of the votes; more than Lander, but short of the required 50 percent majority mandated by the State Constitution. As the runner-up, Lander still has a legal right to request a run-off election.