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Fort Laramie National Historic SiteTheme(s): Native American | Westward Expansion | |
Description:
As America expanded westward, Fort Laramie played an important role on the high plains. Founded in 1834 as Fort William, a
fur-trading post, it was a center for trade in beaver pelts and buffalo robes, and a place for mountain men, frontier entrepeneurs, and
Plains Indians to mingle. Rebuilt in 1841 as Fort John, the new trading post became a welcome stop for emigrants migrating westward
along the Oregon Trail and the Mormon Trail.
In 1849, the United States Army purchased the post, renamed it Fort Laramie, and expanded it into a major military fort. From then
until 1890 when it was decommissioned, it was the center of military presence on the High Plains. Although it was never the site of a
battle, it was an important command post, a staging area for troops, and a strategic communications and transportation depot. The Pony
Express, the trans-continental telegraph, and the Deadwood Stage route all passed through Fort Laramie. Three important treaties
between the United States and Plains Indians were signed at or near the Fort.
After the Fort was decommissioned, the land and buildings that comprised it were sold to civilians. After more than 40 years in civilian
hands, Fort Laramie was proclaimed a National Monument on July 16, 1938, and converted to a National Historic Site on April 29,
1960. Boundary changes occurred on April 29, 1960 and November 10, 1978. It includes 832.85 acres, 831.11 of which are Federal.
Activites:
Educational Programs | Fishing | And more.
Facilities:
Visitor_Centers | Picnic Areas | And more.
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