1. The infamous Johnson County War began on December 22, 1892, when a group of cattle barons hired a private army to attack a group of small-scale ranchers who had formed a protective association. The conflict lasted for months and became a symbol of the struggle between powerful economic interests and ordinary people in the West.

2. On December 22, 1869, the first railroad reached Cheyenne, Wyoming, ushering in a new era of transportation and commerce in the state. The arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad made it easier for settlers and goods to travel to and from Wyoming, and helped connect the region to the rest of the country.

3. December 22, 1916, marked the opening of the Rialto Theater in Casper, Wyoming. The historic theater, which still operates today, has hosted countless performances and events over the years, and has played an important role in the cultural life of the community.

4. On December 22, 1984, a massive natural gas explosion rocked the town of Evanston, Wyoming, killing two people and injuring more than 30 others. The explosion was caused by a ruptured gas line and destroyed several buildings in the area.

5. December 22, 1890, saw the tragic massacre of a group of 146 Native American men, women, and children at Wounded Knee Creek in South Dakota, which is located near the Wyoming border. The massacre, which was carried out by the U.S. Army, marked the end of the Indian Wars in the West and had a profound impact on the local Native American communities.