Cheyenne and Wyoming’s State Capitol


A gold-colored dome rises above the streets of Cheyenne, Wyoming. It crowns the Wyoming State Capitol, a building where decisions affecting people across the state take shape. Cheyenne is Wyoming’s capital, so it serves as a center of state government.
Cheyenne sits in southeastern Wyoming, near the Colorado and Nebraska borders. Its location on the high plains gives the city wide views and plenty of open sky. Railroads remain an important part of Cheyenne, and trains pass through the city. The capital is also a home to residents who go to school, work, shop, and enjoy community events there.
A building for the whole state
The Capitol is more than a landmark for Cheyenne. It belongs to the people of Wyoming, whether they live in the capital or hundreds of miles away. Inside, elected officials discuss laws, study problems, and make decisions about state matters. The building also contains the governor’s office.
- landmark:
- A place or building that is easy to recognize and important to an area.
- elected:
- chosen for a job or position by people who vote.
- legislature:
- The group of government representatives who discuss and vote on laws.
- exterior:
- The outside surface of a building or other object.
- decorative:
- Made or used to make something look attractive.
- establishes:
- Creates or puts something in place.
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Main Idea
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1Why is Cheyenne a center of Wyoming’s state government?
- 2What details show that the Capitol serves people beyond Cheyenne?
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About this explanatory article passage for Upper Elementary
“Cheyenne and Wyoming’s State Capitol” is a explanatory article reading passage about Wyoming state government, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 3 minutes to read (502 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.


