Fort Laramie is one of the most important sites in history of the American West.  For over 50 years, Fort Laramie provided support for major events like the westward emigration, several gold rushes and the Indian Wars. 

It all began because there was need for a post to trade with Indians and fur trappers.  They called it Fort William, but it soon became known as Fort Laramie, because it is located where the Laramie River flows into the North Platte.

The fur trade declined, but the Fort prospered by supplying the flood of wagon trains that followed the Platte River trail toward Oregon, California and Utah in the 1840’s and 50’s.

The roster of colorful folks who visited the fort reads like a Who’s Who of the 19^th Century West.  Jim Bridger…Marcus and Narcissa Whitman… Father DeSmet … Kit Carson… John C. Fremont… Francis Parkman… William Cody… to name a few.

In 1849, the Army bought the fort.  Thereafter, it was used as a site for major treaties with the Indians and as a staging base for many campaigns against them. 

The Bachelor Officers Quarters affectionately called “Old Bedlam” was prominent among the buildings that surrounded the parade ground. 

On Christmas night of 1866, the ghostly figure of Portugee Phillips stumbled into Old Bedlam, near death after a nearly 300 mile ride in sub-zero weather to report the Fetterman massacre.

PaThe Pony Express came through Fort Laramie as did the Cheyenne- Deadwood stage.

With the end of the Indian Wars in 1890 and the coming of the railroad, there was no need for Fort Laramie.  It fell into disrepair and was scavenged by locals until it was designated a National Historic Site and partially restored by the National Park Service.

Whatever your historical perspective, Fort Laramie is one of the Wonders of Wyoming.  I’m Gene Gade of the University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service.