You may have watched the hit series 1883 and heard of Fort Laramie (**SPOILER ALERT*** we're sad Ellsa couldn't make the three-day trip to the surgeon), or you came here on your 4th-grade history trip; either way, we are happy you landed here. 

 

Nestled along the Nebraska border in southeastern Wyoming, Goshen County is the gateway to the West, where covered wagons once rumbled across the open prairies on the Oregon, Mormon Pioneer, and California trails. Today, Goshen County is home to the Oregon Trail Historic Byway, more than 60 historical markers and memorials, and plenty of natural beauty. Feel at ease as you watch wild geese soar through clear skies, lumbering cattle graze in pastures, and the sunset against an endless horizon with fields of corn and hay as far as the eye can see.

 

At the Fort Laramie National Historic Site, guests can stroll the grounds once walked by fur trappers, Native Americans, missionaries, pioneers, miners, and soldiers. Originally established as a fur trading post in 1834, this site eventually became the largest military post on the Northern Plains. Take the audio tour to explore at your own pace. While you're there, catch a live reenactment, have the kiddos participate in the Fort Laramie Junior Ranger Program, or head over to the 1883 Soldiers Bar, which serves root beer, sarsaparilla, cream soda, and birch beer during special holidays and select weekends.  

 

Fort Laramie's serene riverside setting will take you back in time. It still looks much like when the wagons rumbled into the Fort. Buildings dating to 1849 survived intact you can feel the history. Walkthrough 20 restored buildings and ruins dating back to 1834; it is an incredible experience. 

 

The Fort was initially established as Fort William by Robert Campbell and William Sublette in 1834 as a trading post. In 1836, it was sold to the American Fur Company, and the location at the confluence of the North Platte and Laramie rivers became an important trading center. In 1941, in response to establishing its purpose near trading posts, Fort Adams and Fort Platte, a larger structure named Fort John ere built.

 

From 1841 to 1869, the emigrant traffic west would go from a trickle go to a flood of more than 50,000 emigrants a year, and Fort John was the primary stop. In 1849, amid rising tensions between Indians and emigrants, the Fort was purchased by the United States Army, and the buildings which still stand today were erected. Officially named Fort Laramie, the Fort became and remained the principal military post on the Northern Plains until its abandonment in 1890. Many significant events occurred in its vicinity, including the treaties of 1851, 1868, and the Grattan Massacre.