Fort Laramie - Settling Wyoming
Written By: Sarah Reish
I was thrilled for this visit, as I had never been and was looking forward to seeing and experiencing this historic location. This was not a planned tripped, but one we somewhat stumbled upon while camping and heading to a family graduation.
History
Fort Laramie was first known as Fort William. It is the oldest settlement in Wyoming, established in 1834. Originally used as a fur trade post and then a military garrison; this location played a major role in the transformation of America and westward expansion. It started as a small fort that was only 100’ x 80’ with 15’ cottonwood log walls. It steadily grew as the years passed and more and more people came through. Around 1841 a larger adobe fort was built and named Fort John. In 1849 the US Army purchased Fort John to establish a military presence on the immigrant trail and renamed it Fort Laramie, it was during this time that tens of thousands of pioneers began traveling through the fort en route to Oregon, California, and Salt Lake stopping for supplies and a safe resting point. The fort was home to multiple treaties as well as Indian wars. It became a part of the National Park Services in 1938.
Fort Laramie Park
The fort has grown larger than the 100’ x 80’ original footprint. It was eventually the largest fort on the northern plains. Today, the grounds are expansive and the buildings are spread out - I imagined a fort based on old western movies where buildings were built close together. It, in fact, covers acres upon acres with ruins and buildings still intact. Most of the standing structures have been restored to their original state and are open for the public to walk through. Areas are staged with antique furniture so visitors can experience the grounds and structures in much the same way they were used over a century ago. Access to some areas are restricted, but the park offers plexiglass windows and viewing areas. There are large grassy green areas and paths throughout the fort. There is quite a bit of walking required between structures and to view all of the buildings. The park does provide a shady picnic area, but guests can bring a blanket to relax under the large trees throughout the park as it is well maintained.
Unique features
Some of the more unique buildings and things we saw would be the housing for officers and the barracks for the soldiers. Set up to show the offices, dining, and sleeping arrangements the people living there would have had. Each area was staged with antique furniture and every day items. There is also a store, not one you can shop in today, but a building showing what a supply store would have looked like that the pioneers would have used. For those unable to make it to the fort you can take a digital tour online.
Plan Your Visit
This park is quite large and will take time to explore. Visitors should plan on a minimum of two hours and could easily spend up to four hours if picnicking and taking your time to read and explore in depth. There are two modern rest rooms at the fort and drinking fountains for refilling water bottles. Pets are welcome, but please clean up after them and keep them on a leash. Found throughout the fort are wooden barrels with small fountains for pets to hydrate.
The details:
Located: 965 Grey Rocks Road Fort Laramie, Wyoming 82212
Hours: Sunrise to sunset 365 days a year
Fees: Free!
Family Friendly: Yes
Pet Friendly: Yes, please keep your pet leashed and clean up after them.
Visitor Center: Open daily (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years)
Hit The Road!
We think this is a great look into, not only the history of Wyoming, but also of the western United States. There is plenty to do and it is perfect for all ages. Be sure to post your adventures on social media and tag us @LiveWYldMag and use #LiveWYld
