In this lecture, attendees will examine the distinct historical and geographic factors that influence genealogical discovery in Wyoming. Using the Susan Baily family—homesteaders from Pennsylvania and Iowa—as a case study, the session explores the state’s legacy of “firsts,” including its pioneering role in female suffrage and its development through the Oregon Trail and the Union Pacific Railroad. Participants will learn a methodical approach to navigating specialized repositories such as the Wyoming State Archives, the University of Wyoming’s American Heritage Center, and the Laramie County Digital Archives. The presentation provides practical strategies for locating vital records, homestead applications, and mining history, offering a comprehensive framework for researchers tracing the movement of ancestors across the high plains and into the 44th state.