Welcome to Fort Laramie, a landmark steeped in the rich history of America’s westward expansion. Originally established in 1834, Fort Laramie began as a private fur trading post known as Fort William, founded by William Sublette and Robert Campbell at the confluence of the Laramie and North Platte Rivers. This strategic location served as a crucial hub for trappers, traders, and Native American tribes engaged in the fur trade.
In 1841, the American Fur Company took over the fort, renaming it Fort John. As the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails opened, the fort became a vital resupply point for thousands of migrants heading west. In 1849, the U.S. Army purchased the fort, transforming it into a military post to protect these emigrant trails and engage in treaty negotiations with Native American tribes.
Fort Laramie played a significant role in several major historical events, including the signing of the Treaty of Fort Laramie in 1868, which aimed to bring peace between the U.S. government and the Sioux Nation. The fort was also a staging ground for military campaigns during the Indian Wars and served as a key stop on the Pony Express route and the Transcontinental Telegraph.
Notable figures associated with Fort Laramie include Jim Bridger, a legendary mountain man, and George Armstrong Custer, who visited the fort during his campaigns. The fort witnessed the ebb and flow of soldiers, traders, and Native Americans, each leaving their mark on its storied past.
By 1890, as the frontier closed, Fort Laramie was abandoned by the military. Today, it stands as a National Historic Site, preserving the remnants of its past, from barracks and officer’s quarters to the parade ground and Oregon Trail ruts. As you explore these grounds, imagine the bustling activity of a once-thriving outpost on the edge of the American frontier.
