This month, WyoHistory.org explores the state in articles ranging from underground resources to the outstanding career of Wyoming’s only U.S. Supreme Court justice.

Another form of judging—ranking student entries in the annual Wyoming History Day competition in April—offers people who like history and like kids a chance to share their enthusiasm.

Cheyenne attorney Wyoming’s only U.S. Supreme Court justice

The brilliant lawyer Willis Van Devanter of Cheyenne made a name for himself in the 1890s as a loyal Republican and protector of the interests of the powerful. He was rewarded with a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court in 1910, where he served as a staunch conservative for 27 years. Learn more in WyoHistory.org Assistant Editor Lori Van Pelt’s article “Willis Van Devanter, Cheyenne Lawyer and U.S. Supreme Court Justice” at http://www.wyohistory.org/encyclopedia/willis-van-devanter-cheyenne-lawy....

Wyoming’s only delisted national monument 

Shoshone Cavern National Monument near Cody was established in 1909 but delisted after 53 years, turned over to the City of Cody and renamed Spirit Mountain Caverns. Maintaining the site proved too difficult for local concessionaires, however. In 1977, the spot was returned to federal ownership and is now managed by the BLM. Read more in University of Wyoming History Professor Phil Roberts’ piece “Shoshone Cavern, Wyoming’s Only Delisted National Monument” at http://www.wyohistory.org/essays/shoshone-cavern.

Leasing federal minerals in Wyoming and the West

1970s amendments to the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 boosted the share of federal mineral royalties flowing to Wyoming and other oil-rich states, while preserving the original act’s aim to balance production incentives with conservation—thanks in part to some shrewd maneuvering by Wyoming’s congressman, Teno Roncalio.
Learn more in writer Samuel Western’s article “Leasing federal minerals in Wyoming and the West” at http://www.wyohistory.org/encyclopedia/leasing-federal-minerals-wyoming-....

The 120-year history of Wyoming’s oil refineries 

Oil refining in Wyoming began in 1895. By the 1920s the state boasted 16 refineries, with Standard Oil’s plant at Casper by far the largest. Production tracked oil booms and busts throughout the 20th century, culminating in the 1991 shutdown of Casper’s Amoco (formerly Standard) Refinery. Six refineries remain in production today. Learn more in journalist Tom Mast’s article “Refining Wyoming’s Oil for 120 Years” at http://www.wyohistory.org/encyclopedia/refining-wyomings-oil-120-years.

Wyoming History Day contest judges

Richard Kean, Wyoming History Day Coordinator, seeks judges for the 35th annual Wyoming History Day Contest scheduled for April 13, 2015, in Laramie.

Kean explains, “Judging is the capstone of the History Day Program.”

If you are interested in serving as a state judge, contact Kean prior to March 13, 2015, by email at rkean@uwyo.edu or by phone at the American Heritage Center at (307) 766-2300.

Officials are also looking for judges for the regional contests, slated this month in Sheridan, Casper, Cheyenne, Laramie and Pinedale. Click here for judging, contact, time and place information for the regional contests. Regional contests in Worland and Dubois have already taken place.

Wyoming History Day, an affiliate of National History day, is an academic program for students in grades six through twelve. Students undertake historical research projects related to an annual theme and enter their projects in one of seven regional contests in Wyoming in one of the following categories: historical papers, exhibits, documentaries, websites, or performances. The top three entries in each category qualify for the state contest.  This year’s theme is “Leadership and Legacy in History.”

Judges work in teams of three to rank the student entries based on various assessments including quality of research, relationship to theme, presentation and compliance with the contest rules.

All state contest judges are asked to attend one of two orientation sessions, which will take place in Laramie on Sunday evening and on Monday morning before the contest begins. A continental breakfast and buffet lunch at the Hilton Garden Inn are provided for judges on the day of the contest.