This fourth issue of 2024 features articles on the great (and beautiful) state of Wyoming, which begins a series (not necessarily consecutive) I am calling “Parade of States”, featuring the history of various states, including how to find great historical and genealogical records and more:

● Wyoming Territorial History and the Road to Statehood. Without question, Wyoming has a long and storied history which pre-dated the territorial era of 1868-1890. Prior to becoming Wyoming Territory, carved out of the surrounding territories of Idaho, Dakota and Utah, the region was home primarily to various Native American tribes who had long witnessed various adventure and fortune seekers passing through, a few settling, in the land they called home. As pioneers began migrating West later in the nineteenth century, America’s so-called “Manifest Destiny”, what would one day be Wyoming was “on the way”, whether their final destination was Oregon, Utah or California.

● Mining Genealogical Gold: Finding Historical Wyoming Records (and the stories behind them). I wasn’t sure if Wyoming, having the distinction of being the least densely populated state in the nation, would have much in the way of digital archives. My assumptions were wrong as it turns out. What I found was an impressive number of resources to assist in Wyoming historical research. You might wonder if any of these resources would be of value to you and your research, especially if you don’t have any Wyoming ancestors. However, Wyoming played a significant role in the nation’s westward migration, its so-called “Manifest Destiny”. You just might be surprised.

● Wyoming’s Storied Ghost Towns. Like all Western states Wyoming has a history of “boom and bust”, resulting in “ghost towns” which today have long been abandoned, except perhaps as tourist attractions. Many of Wyoming’s ghost towns were once booming mining camps, while at least one played a role in America’s nineteenth century westward migration, the nation’s “Manifest Destiny”.

● Heart Mountain: American Exiles (with Japanese faces). Admittedly, Executive Order 9066, signed on February 19, 1942 by President Franklin Roosevelt, never once used the term, yet “it was no secret that his action was directed to a large extent toward citizens of Japanese extraction whose presence at certain strategic points might be deemed inimical to the war effort.”

● The Dash: John Baptist Priquet (1843-1927). A lesson in reviewing dated genealogical research.

Enjoy the issue! As always, I am grateful for my faithful subscribers. You are a blessing to me!

Sharon Hall, Publisher and Editor