Fort Laramie, WyomingSep 21, 2009
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Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site, Guernsey, WY
Enlisted Men's Dorm, Fort Laramie, WY
Commanding Officiers Home, Fort Laramie, WY
9/21 – 9/23
It took us two days to drive 122 miles to Fort Laramie, Wyoming (I-25, US26). The wind was blowing so hard while traveling down US26 that it blew open one of the awnings that are rolled up above one of our slides. We decided, with only 19 miles to go, that we would spend the night at a roadside rest area and continue to Fort Laramie the next day. The wind calmed down by morning and we continued to the Fort Laramie City Park for a two night stay.
While in Fort Laramie we drove to Guernsey, Wyoming to check out the Oregon Trail Ruts State Park. These wagon ruts were hard to believe! The steel wagon wheel hoops and horseshoes had managed to wear down four to five feet of rock in this area. Now that is a lot of wagons! We also toured the Fort Laramie National Historic Site. A number of the original buildings are still standing. The fort started as a trading post in 1834. In the 1840’s it became a stopping point for travelers on the Oregon Trail. In the 1850’s and 60’s it became an important government outpost during the Indian uprisings. The fort was abandoned in 1890. This fort was considered one of the most important forts along the Oregon Trail.
