Fort Laramie National Historic Site, in Fort Laramie, Wyoming, preserves the remains of a historic United States Army fort. From 1849 to 1890, Fort Laramie was the center of U.S. military presence in the region.
The site contains a number of restored structures, including Old Bedlam, the fort’s oldest military building. Old Bedlam dates back to 1849. At various times, it served as a bachelor officers’ living quarters, the post’s headquarters, and the home of the post commander. Other restored structures on the site include cavalry barracks, officers’ houses, a trading complex, a bakery, and guardhouses. One of the guardhouses displays artillery pieces and military transport vehicles. The Old Commissary building houses a museum and visitor center. A number of ruins stand on the site as well. These ruins include the remains of the post hospital and the administration building.
In 1849, the U.S. Army purchased Fort John, a fur-trading post and stopping place for pioneers traveling westward. The Army changed the fort’s name to Fort Laramie. One of the main responsibilities of troops stationed there was to maintain peaceful relations between the local Plains Indians and white travelers on the Oregon and Mormon trails. Soldiers at Fort Laramie also maintained and defended a transcontinental telegraph line that was completed in 1861. During the late 1860’s, troops at Fort Laramie helped supply and reinforce other forts along the Bozeman Trail, which led northwest to Montana. In addition, the route of the Pony Express passed through the fort.
During the Indian wars of the 1870’s, Fort Laramie served as an important command post, area for organizing troops, and communications and transportation center. The United States and the Plains Indians signed two important treaties at or near Fort Laramie.
By the late 1880’s, the fort had fewer military duties. Conflicts between the United States and the Plains tribes had died down. In addition, the Union Pacific Railroad took over much of the transport that formerly passed through Fort Laramie. The fort closed in 1890, and the Army sold the land and buildings to civilians.
The fort became a national historic monument in 1938 and a national historic site in 1960. The National Park Service operates the site.
