On July 10, 1890, Wyoming entered the Union as the 44th state, keeping its earlier territorial law granting women the right to vote. Wyoming had granted suffrage to women in 1869, far ahead of national reforms. Statehood confirmed the territory’s commitment to equality in voting. Many leaders feared Congress would reject Wyoming for this stance, but the state insisted on preserving the right. Wyoming’s example encouraged other states and helped build momentum for the 19th Amendment. Its early adoption of women’s suffrage remains a point of pride in state history.
