1. In 1862, the first gold was discovered in the South Pass area of Wyoming, near Atlantic City. This discovery led to a rush of miners to the area and spurred the growth of several mining towns.

2. On September 17, 1878, a massive fire broke out in the business district of Cheyenne, Wyoming. The fire destroyed nearly the entire downtown area and caused an estimated $2 million in damages.

3. In 1882, the Wyoming Territorial Prison in Laramie opened its doors to its first inmates. The prison would go on to house some of the West's most notorious criminals, including Butch Cassidy.

4. On September 17, 1900, Wyoming became the first state in the nation to officially grant women the right to vote. This milestone was significant in the fight for women's suffrage and would eventually lead to the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

5. The University of Wyoming was established on September 17, 1886, with classes beginning the following year. Today, the university is a major institution of higher education in the state and is known for its research in areas such as energy, environment, and natural resources.