Wide Open Lies

Wyoming may call itself the Equality State, but its history is anything but straightforward. Beneath the wide skies and cowboy swagger lies a story of contradictions: pioneers chasing dreams while leaving grave markers in wagon ruts, cattle barons hiring mercenaries to crush small ranchers, outlaws turning into tourist mascots, and politicians railing against federal overreach while cashing federal checks. And let’s not forget Yellowstone, where bears once begged for marshmallows and tourists still try to pet bison.

In Wide Open Lies: An Irreverent History of Wyoming, Jordan Blake Carter strips away the myths and replaces them with biting wit, sharp storytelling, and a healthy dose of side-eye. This is not a textbook. It is a lively tour through gold rush ghost towns, rodeo arenas, strip mines, UFO sightings, and the cult of the cowboy hat. Whether you are a Wyoming native, a curious visitor, or just someone who loves seeing American history served with sarcasm, this book will make you laugh, cringe, and maybe even appreciate the contradictions that make Wyoming unforgettable.