The name "Wyoming" originates from the Delaware Indian word, meaning “mountains and valleys alternating”. The U.S. acquired the land comprising Wyoming from France as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. John Colter, a fur-trapper, is the first white man known to have entered the region. In 1807 he explored the Yellowstone area and brought back news of its geysers and hot springs.

The state flag consists of a bison on a blue field bordered in white and red. The state seal is branded on the side of the bison. On the seal is the image of a woman representing the state motto "Equal Rights" and two men representing cattle ranchers and miners. The words "Livestock", "Mines", "Grains" and "Oil" represent Wyoming's industry. The eagle and shield show support for the Union of the United States. The dates 1869 and 1890 tell when Wyoming organized as a territory of the United States and the year it became a state.