Fort Caspar Museum and Historic Site

Frommer's Review

Come to Fort Caspar for a look at what the "good old days" in these parts were really like. The first occupation of this site was in 1847 when Brigham Young and the Mormon Pioneer party constructed a ferry to cross the North Platte River. The post also served as a relay station for the Pony Express, and the transcontinental telegraph crossed the river here. The U.S. Army occupied the site in 1862, naming the post Platte Bridge Station. While attempting to reach an army supply train on July 26, 1865, members of the Sioux and Cheyenne tribes attacked Lt. Caspar W. Collins and troops from the fort. Collins and 26 other soldiers were killed during battles that day, and the fort was later renamed Fort Caspar to honor the lieutenant.

Today the site includes the reconstructed fort buildings furnished as they would have appeared in 1865 -- the mess hall, telegraph hall, officers' quarters, store, blacksmith shop, stables, commissary, and the like. Newly expanded in 2007, the museum features exhibits on the social and natural history of central Wyoming. During the summer there are living-history programs and lectures. Allow 1 or 2 hours.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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