TORRINGTON – Preparations are already underway for the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

The anniversary date is July 4, 2026, but President Elect Donald J. Trump has announced his administration will be recognizing the event from Memorial Day 2025 through Independence Day 2026 with events including a “Great American State Fair” at the Iowa state fairgrounds which will showcase each of the 50 states and the history of the founding of America, an Olympic-style “Patriot Games” featuring high school athletes from around the country, and the building of a “Garden of Heroes” with statues commissioned by American artists commemorating important figures in American history. The events will fall under the America 250 commission, who will be working with state and local governments and private organizations. 

In Wyoming, Governor Gordon has established the Wyoming Semiquincentennial Planning Task Force, otherwise known as Wyoming 250, which will be responsible for coordinating events in the state. The task force has already been meeting for almost a year, working to coordinate with stakeholders, planning events, and providing resources. Other organizations have already started their efforts. Wyoming PBS has also started a Semiquincentennial Storytelling Project where Wyoming residents can share personal stories about what it means to be from America and from Wyoming. The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) are recognizing the anniversary with campaigns for education including a High School essay contest and Historical Preservation including a recently dedicated 250th Marker on the State Capital grounds in Cheyenne.

Local governments and organizations in Goshen County are also preparing for the anniversary by identifying possible funding sources and establishing timelines. County leaders are working to collaborate with government officials, community leaders, historical societies, and educators. Go Goshen has been involved in planning through Wyoming 250. While plans are still being formulated, there is no doubt that the 250th anniversary will be a time of patriotic celebration in Goshen County.

While Wyoming was not one of the original thirteen colonies, it has its own special place in America becoming the country it is today. The state’s history is intertwined with many of the same ideals that spurred the American Revolution – freedom, independence, and the quest for a better life. The state played a key role in expanding the country westward, contributing to the idea of Manifest Destiny – the belief that the United States was destined to expand across the North American continent. The Lewis and Clark Expedition, which passed through Wyoming on its journey to the Pacific Ocean, was an early chapter in this westward expansion. Wyoming also was at the forefront of American history during the women’s suffrage movement. In 1869, Wyoming became the first U.S. territory to grant women the right to vote, setting a precedent that would eventually influence national policy. This trailblazing move reflected the progressive ideals that were central to the founding of America – the belief that liberty and equality should extend to all citizens. 

The 250th anniversary will also be a time to reflect on the impact that indigenous people had in shaping the cultural landscape of Wyoming. Before European settlers arrived, the land was inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Arapaho, Shoshone, and Cheyenne. For these tribes, Wyoming was not just a home – it was a place of spiritual and cultural significance. The America 250 commemoration will include efforts to honor the resilience and contributions of Native American tribes, while also acknowledging the difficult history of displacement. 

As Goshen County prepares for America 250 celebrations, the state will not only reflect on its past but also look forward to a future shaped by its ongoing contributions to the nation. With its rich history of pioneering spirit, cultural diversity, and civic progress, Wyoming stands as a proud part of the United States’ journey toward liberty, equality, and innovation. Through educational programs, cultural events, and public celebrations, Wyoming will honor its place in the larger narrative of America, creating a lasting legacy for future generations to cherish and build upon.