Cheyenne is the capital and largest city of the U.S. state of Wyoming and the county seat of Laramie County. The population was 53,011 at the 2000 census, making it the second smallest city to be the largest city in its state, after Burlington, Vermont The state of Wyoming operates a multitude of offices in downtown Cheyenne. Many area residents are employed by or are dependent on the U.S. Air Force, through F.E. Warren Air Force Base to the west of the city, or by the Wyoming National Guard. The Union Pacific Railroad remains a major economic force for the city and employs many residents. Cheyenne's high elevation, coupled with its position on the continent, make it one of the windiest cities in America. The abundance of wind makes Cheyenne an opportune place to develop wind energy.