Uncover Wyoming’s Rich History At Fort Laramie

Wyoming's history includes dinosaurs, cowboys, outlaws, rodeos, trails, the Pony Express, National Parks, and historic Forts.

Do you know which fort was the first in Wyoming?

According to historians, this fort was established as a fur trading fort in 1834 but was used for years before that. Upon becoming established, it was influential in shaping the western part of America. It was the best-known and largest fort on the Northern Plains until 1890, when it was abandoned.

Known as 'The Embassy on the Plains,' trappers, traders, Native Americans, soldiers, missionaries, miners, ranchers, homesteaders, and anyone traveling west on one of the historic trails passed through here to trade or pick up supplies to continue their journey.

Fort Laramie.

The fort, initially known as Fort William but eventually known as Fort Laramie, was a significant cornerstone of Wyoming's stake in the history of the West and continued to be an important for 56 years. However, once the transcontinental railroad was completed, the fort became less necessary and was decommissioned in 1890.

Today, Fort Laramie is still active, as tourists worldwide stop in to learn about its history and significance in how the West was built. Since the fort was added to the National Park Service in 1938, work has been done to preserve the structures as accurately as possible, keeping them looking as close as possible to how they looked when they were in their prime.

Incredibly, the buildings were supposed to last only a couple of decades while they were being used for military purposes, but they have lasted over 130 years, thanks in part to the work of the National Park Service.

As summer approaches and you're looking for things to do with the kids to keep them learning, Fort Laramie is a perfect family outing. The fort is open from dawn to dusk daily and is free to visit.