Fort Laramie National Historic Site

Originally established as a private fur trading fort in 1834, Fort Laramie evolved into the largest and best known military post on the Northern Plains before its abandonment in 1890. This “grand old post” witnessed the entire sweeping saga of America’s western expansion and Indian resistance to encroachment on their territories.

Ruins of the 1873 Post Hospital

Sunrises and sunsets are extraordinarily beautiful when set against the many historic structures the site.

Ruins of the 1873 Post Hospital at dawn.

Parade Ground from the Porch of "Old Bedlam"

A fall view of the parade ground from "Old Bedlam" the oldest surviving structure at Fort Laramie and in the state of Wyoming, constructed in 1849.

View of the parade ground from the porch of "Old Bedlam".

Post Trader at Work

In the summer living history interpreters bring the post to life, including the Post Trader in the refurnished 1849 store.

Living history interpreter portraying the Post Trader.

Fur Trade Fort Laramie Event

Special attention is given to helping our young visitors understand the past at Fort Laramie National Historic Site.

Living history interpreter explaining the life of a trapper/trader to young visitors

Arial View of Fort Laramie NHS From the South

Overview of Fort Laramie as it exists today with many of the historic buildings fully restored and refurnished and numerous other ruins and foundations.

Aerial view of Fort Laramie NHS from the South

Tipis Across Laramie River in Fall

Tipis were a common scene at Fort Laramie from 1834-1872. At times, during treaty negotiations dozens of tipis could be found here.

Two tipis across the Laramie River from the fort in fall

Fall colors on the Parade Ground

Fall colors paint the parade grounds near Old Bedlam.

Ash and cottonwood trees show their fall colors next to an open grass field.

Powder Magazine in Winter

Ruins of the powder magazine within the winter snows.

Ruins of a concrete structure with snow on top.

Morning Fog at the Old Holtclaw Tract

Morning fog north of Fort Laramie

A deer looking up in morning fog near the shelter belt at the old Holtclaw Tract homestead.

11th Kansas Ride Past the Cavalry Barracks

Riding past the Cavalry Barracks

A group of mounted individuals ride hors near a concrete historic structure.

Three Affiliated Tribes Ride at Cavalry Barracks

Riding toward the parade ground

Native American people riding horses - some in traditional regalia - in front the Cavalry Barracks.

Independence Day Salute

A salute to each state of the union in 1876.

Rangers in living history clothing fire a salute with Springfield rifles for Independence Day.