1st Wyoming Territorial Legislature facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 1st Wyoming Territorial Legislature |
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The Thomas McLeland Building where the Council met on the second floor
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| Overview | |||
| Legislative body | Wyoming Legislature | ||
| Jurisdiction | Wyoming Territory, United States | ||
| Meeting place | Thomas McLeland Building Arcade Building |
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| Term | 1869–1871 | ||
| Wyoming Council | |||
| Members | 9 Senators | ||
| President of the Council | William H. Bright | ||
| Party control | Democratic | ||
| Wyoming House of Representatives | |||
| Members | 13 Representatives | ||
| Speaker of the House | S. M. Curran | ||
| Party control | Democratic | ||
The 1st Wyoming Territorial Legislature was the very first meeting of the lawmakers in the Wyoming Territory. It took place from October 12 to December 10, 1869. This important meeting happened after the United States Congress officially created the Wyoming Territory.
Contents
Wyoming's First Government Meeting
How Wyoming Territory Began
On July 25, 1868, the United States Congress passed a law called the Wyoming Organic Act. This law created the Wyoming Territory. It used land from the Dakota, Utah, and Idaho territories. When the territory was first formed, it had four counties: Albany, Carbon, Carter, and Laramie counties.
Starting the Legislature
On September 2, 1869, the first elections for the legislature were held. The Democratic Party won every single seat! They took control of both the Council (like a Senate) and the House of Representatives.
The first session of the Wyoming territorial legislature ran from October 12 to December 10, 1869. The Council met in the Thomas McLeland Building. The House of Representatives met in the Arcade Building. Both buildings were in Cheyenne, Wyoming. On October 12, John H. Howe, who was the Chief Justice of the Wyoming Supreme Court, officially welcomed the twenty-one members of the new legislature.
William H. Bright was chosen to lead the Council as its President. S. M. Curran became the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Not all members were there on the first day. Two Council members arrived a bit later. In the House, five members were missing, and one, J. M. Freeman, never arrived at all.
New Laws and Changes
One of the most important things this legislature did was pass a law giving women the right to vote. William Bright introduced this idea in the Council. On December 6, 1869, the Council voted seven to two in favor. The House of Representatives also voted yes, seven to four. Just four days later, on December 10, Governor John Allen Campbell signed the law. This made Wyoming the first place in the United States where women could vote! Amalia Post, a strong supporter of women's voting rights, played a big part in making this happen.
The legislature also made some changes to the counties. They renamed Carter County to Sweetwater County. They also created a brand new county called Uinta County.
Who Was in the Legislature?
The 1st Wyoming Territorial Legislature was made up of two groups: the Council and the House of Representatives.
The Council Members
The Council had 9 members. All of them were from the Democratic Party. William H. Bright was their leader.
The House of Representatives Members
The House of Representatives had 13 members. Like the Council, all of them were from the Democratic Party. S. M. Curran was their leader.
