 |
|
Painting
by Alfred J. Miller (1858)
|
Fort Laramie
The fort was begun by fur traders as Fort William in 1834 where the
North Platte and Laramie rivers meet. In 1849, the U.S. Military purchased
the fort and named it in honor of Jacques La Ramie, a local French fur
trapper.
One of the most important forts in the settlement of the American West,
Fort Laramie served many functions throughout its history. It was located
along the Oregon Trail to protect and supply emigrant wagon trains.
It later became a major link in the Pony Express, Overland Stage and
transcontinental telegraph systems. It also served as a base of operations
for the High Plains Indian Wars.
Since 1937 it has been preserved as a National Monument and is maintained
by the National Park Service.
 |
|
 |
|
Above, a modern
view of the fort.
Photo courtesy of Fort Laramie State Historic Site, Wyoming Division
of Tourism.
Left, an interior
view of the fort from a painting by Alfred J. Miller (1858).
|
|
