Fort Fetterman
History of Fort Fetterman
Fort Fetterman, located approximately eleven miles northwest of Douglas,
Wyoming, is situated on a plateau above the valleys of LaPrele Creek
and the North Platte River.
Captain William J. Fetterman (1833-1866) during the Civil War. (National Archives)
The fort was established as a military post on July 19, 1867, because
of conditions that existed on the Northern Plains at the close of the
Civil War. Civilization was advancing across the frontier along the
line of the Union Pacific Railroad and the fort was needed as a major
supply point for the army operating against the Indians. On July 31,
1867, the post was named Fort Fetterman in honor of Captain William
J. Fetterman who was killed in a fight with Indians near Fort Phil Kearny,
December 21, 1866. Major William McEnery Dye, with Companies A, C, H,
and I, 4th Infantry, was assigned to build the post. In a letter to
the Adjutant General, Major Dye described the post and surrounding country
as ...situated on a plateau...above the valley of the Platte, being
neither so low as to be seriously affected by the rains or snow; nor
so high and unprotected as to suffer from the winter winds."
Unfortunately, Major Dye's optimistic view of the site did not hold
true for winter months. In November of 1867, Brigadier General H.W.
Wessells became commanding officer at the fort. According to his report
to the Department of the Platte, ..."officers and men, were found
under canvas exposed on a bleak plain to violent and almost constant
gales and very uncomfortable..." the garrison managed to get through
the winter and the fort continued to grow and develop until, by 1870,
it was well established, and destined to play a conspicuous part in
the Indians wars for the next few years. Jim Bridger, Wild Bill Hickock,
Calamity Jane and Buffalo Bill" Cody were among the colorful personalities
of the time whose activities and travels took them frequently to Fort
Fetterman.
In accordance with the Treaty of 1868, Forts Reno, Phil Kearny, and
C.F. Smith, along the Bozeman Trail were abandoned. Fort Fetterman,
alone, remained on the fringe of the disputed area. As an outpost of
civilization on the Western frontier, the fort represented protection
and a haven to travelers.
Fort Fetterman was always considered a hardship post by officers and
men who were stationed there. On May 18, 1874, Captain F. Van Vliet,
of Company C, 3rd Cavalry, felt so strongly about the hardships on his
men that he wrote to the Adjutant General requesting his company be
transferred because there was "...no opportunity for procuring
fresh vegetables, and gardens are a failure. There is no female society
for enlisted men...the enlisted men of the company are leaving very
much dissatisfied, as they look upon being held so long at this post
as an unmerited punishment...whenever men get to the railroad there
are some desertions caused by dread of returning to this post..."
Desertions were common, and the post frequently lacked adequate supplies
and equipment. Supplies had to be hauled from Fort Laramie to the southeast
or from Medicine Bow Station on he Union Pacific Railroad. Luxuries
were scarce and pleasures few. However the soldiers found some diversion
from the garrison life at a nearby establishment known as the "Hog
Ranch."
During the mid-1870s, Fort Fetterman reached its pinnacle of importance
when it became the jumping-off place for several major military expeditions.
It was the base for three of General George Crook's Powder River Expeditions
and Colonel Randall Mackenzie's campaign against Dull Knife and the
Cheyenne Indians. These events contributed to the end of the resistance
by the Plains Indians who shortly after were confined to reservations.
With the passing of Indians from the scene, the fort had outlived its
usefulness.
When the military abandoned the fort in 1882, it did not die immediately.
A community grew up at the post and after 1882, it was an outfitting
point for area ranchers and for wagon trains. The boom was short-lived,
however, and in 1886, the town of Douglas was founded a short distance
to the south. The old fort, in a state of decay, lost out as a town
and declined rapidly. Most of the buildings were sold, dismantled or
moved to other locations.
Travel Directions & Park Overview
Located 7 miles north of Douglas, Wyoming on Highway 93, take Exit
140 off Interstate 25. Today Fort Fetterman is administered by Wyoming
State Parks and Historic Sites, Division of Parks and Cultural Resources,
Wyoming Department of State Parks & Cultural Resources. It is preserved
as a reminder of that colorful era known as the "winning of the
west."
A restored officer's quarters and an ordnance warehouse are original
buildings. They stand among the many visible foundations of the Fort
and Fetterman City. These two buildings house interpretive exhibits
and artifacts of the Fort's history, Fetterman City, and its Indian
predecessors.
The visitor is encouraged to walk the grounds where interpretive signs
describe the Fort's buildings and activities. These two buildings house
maps, drawings, photographs, artifacts, and dioramas which interpret
the history of the Indians, Military, and Civilians of Fort Fetterman
and Fetterman City. The visitor is encouraged to walk the interpretive
trail where signs describe the historic site and lead to a Gazebo overlooking
Crook’s Camp and the Indian Country to the north. The site provides
several picnic areas and a shelter for group or individual use. Historic
guided tours are available upon request and by appointment by calling
Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site (307) 684-7629.
Accommodations and Camping
Camping is allowed at Fort Fetterman. Please call Park Headquarters
at 358-2864 to make you reservations.
Annual & Current Events
May 31 – June 1, 2003
Fort Fetterman Days-Living History Encampment/Symposium
This year Fort Fetterman Days will focus 1800’s Living History
Programs, Presentation, and Interpretation. Several speakers will present
talks discussing the methodology, equipment, safety, research, and training
necessary to present a successful Frontier Living History Presentation.
In addition to speakers, several living history units have been invited
to the site to set up camps, giving impromptu demonstrations, drill
and training for new recruits. Living History Groups will include Frontier
Military Infantry, Cavalry, Artillery, Women and Children, and Native
Americans. The public is invited to attend the talks, and participate
in the demonstrations and drill. For further information for those who
would like to participate or attend, you may contact Robert Wilson,
Site Manager, at rwilso@state.wy.us or call 307-684-7629.
August 9-10, 2003
Fort Fetterman and Fetterman City Days
Fort Fetterman and the Pioneer Museum will host a combination Fort
Fetterman and Fetterman City Days. This year we will present tours of
Fort Fetterman and Fetterman City , set up a period encampment and support
the Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum ’s annual art show and quick
draw. Saturday afternoon several Living History personalities will act
as models for the Quick Draw and provide some demonstrations during
the afternoon at the Wyoming State Fair Grounds. That evening the artists
and other interested individuals are invited to Fort Fetterman for a
Bar-B-Que and additional demonstrations and dance. For more information
or for those who would like to participate and attend you may contact
Robert Wilson, Site Manager, at rwilso@state.wy.us or call 307-684-7629
Site Ground & Museum Hours
OPEN DAILY Memorial Day - Labor Day Visitor Ctr. & Ordinance Bldg.,
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Grounds, sunrise to sunset CLOSED Winter months.
Some Important Site Rules
Removal of artifacts or natural resources is prohibited
Do not discharge firearms
Please leash pets
Please don't pick plants or flowers
Please use available receptacles for litter
Consult site staff for state parks regulations
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