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.

VISITATION

Highest in June, July, and August. Lowest in the Winter months.

LOCATION

Located three miles southwest of the town of Fort Laramie, Wyoming, off U.S. Route 26.

ADDRESS

National Park Service

Fort Laramie National Historic Site

HC 72, Box 389

Fort Laramie, WY 82212

TELEPHONE

(307) 837-2221

Facsimile (307) 837-2120

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS

The Fort grounds are open from 8:00 am until dusk every day of the year. The Fort museum and Visitor Center is open from 8:00 am with extended hours during the Summer season, May 26 through August 23.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING

This part of the High Plains is usually dry and sunny during Summer and cold and windy during other seasons. Visitors should wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the season. A hat is desirable on sunny days.

DIRECTIONS

Ft. Laramie N.H.S. can be reached via U.S. Highway 26.

From Wheatland, Wyoming, take Highway 26 East from Interstate 25. It is approximately 25 miles from this exit to the town of Fort Laramie. Then, turn South on State Highway 160. It is three miles to Old Fort Laramie

From Cheyenne, take U.S. Highway 85 North to Torrington. Then follow Highway 26 West to the Fort. It is approximately 105 miles from Cheyenne to the Fort.

From the East, exit Interstate 80 at Ogallala, Nebraska and follow Highway 26 to the Fort. It is approximately 175 miles from Ogallala to the Fort.

TRANSPORTATION

You should plan on driving to Fort Laramie. There is no public ground transportation. The nearest commercial airport is in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, approximately 52 miles to the East. Rental cars are available at the airport.

FEES, COSTS, RATES

The admission fee at Fort Laramie is two dollars per person for persons over 16 years of age. There is no charge for U.S. citizens 16 years of age or under. The park also honors Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and Golden Access passports. Passports can also be obtained at Ft, Laramie. Enquire at the entrance station.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Visitor Center

The Visitor Center features historic exhibits and a bookstore operated by the Fort Laramie Historical Association. A 16 minute orientation film shown there is a good way to begin your visit. Information is provided to orient you to the role that Fort Laramie played in the shaping of the West.

The bookstore contains one of the finest selections of Western history books in the nation, along with a unique assortment of historical, theme-related items.

Fort Grounds

The Fort grounds reflect the history of the 41 years that Fort Laramie was in military service. Eleven of the Fort's original buildings have been restored and elaborately refurnished. The foundations or lime grout shells of other buildings are also preserved.

Lodging and Camping

There are no lodging or camping facilities inside Ft. Laramie N. H. S. Motels and RV camps are available in the nearby towns of Ft. Laramie, Guernsey, Lingle, Torrington and Wheatland, and in the surrounding area. Campgrounds for tenting are also available at Ft. Laramie, Lingle, Torrington, and Guernsey.

Dining Facilities

There are no dining facilities inside Ft. Laramie N. H. S. A picnic area, however, is provided for visitor use, and soft drinks are sold at the Enlisted Mens' Bar during the Summer season, from May 26 to August 23. Restaurants are available in the surrounding towns.

Special Needs

Bus and RV parking is available.

Accessibility

The Fort grounds and many of the buildings are wheelchair accessible. Interpretive Programs have programmatic accessibility as a part of most activities.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE

Touring the Fort and the restored buildings and visiting the Visitor Center.

RESERVATIONS AND PERMITS

Reservations for school tours or other educational visits should be made at least two weeks in advance so that preparations may be made.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS

Allow at least two or three hours for your visit.

TOURS, PROGRAMS, AND SPECIAL EVENTS

Regularly scheduled Fort Tours and Interpretive Programs are offered during the Summer season, May 26 through August 23. Ranger-guided tours of the Fort are conducted daily at 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm. Tours take about one and one-half hours.

Each day park rangers present specialty talks focused on a particular aspect of the Fort and its history. These talks are presented daily at 10:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm. Each talk lasts from 30 to 45 minutes. Check at the museum for topics and meeting places.

REGIONAL VISITOR ATTRACTIONS

• Ft. Laramie Historical Association
• Agate Fossil Beds N M
• Guernsey State Park
• Register Cliff and Nearby Oregon Trail Ruts
• Scott's Bluff N M
• State of Wyoming Page

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Write to:

National Park service

Superintendent, Fort Laramie N. H. S.

HC 72 Box 389

Ft. Laramie, WY 82212

RELATED SITES

Fort Laramie/Western History Links

Last Update: Wednesday, 05-May-99 16:41:43
http://www.nps.gov/fola/