Camp Augur, Wyoming
Nestled in the heart of Wyoming, a state renowned for its rugged landscapes and rich history, lies the story of Camp Augur, a military outpost that played a significant, albeit brief, role in the American West’s tumultuous narrative. Established as a sub-post of the more prominent Fort Bridger, Camp Augur emerged from the need to maintain order and protect burgeoning settlements in a region undergoing rapid transformation. This article delves into the history of Camp Augur, exploring its origins, purpose, evolution, and eventual abandonment, leaving behind only a granite marker as a silent testament to its existence.
The year was 1869, a time when the westward expansion of the United States was in full swing. The promise of land, resources, and opportunity drew settlers to the vast territories west of the Mississippi River. However, this influx of newcomers inevitably led to conflict with the indigenous populations who had called these lands home for centuries. To address these tensions and safeguard the interests of both the settlers and the Native American tribes, the U.S. Army established a network of military outposts throughout the West. One such outpost was Camp Augur.
On June 28, 1869, Lieutenant Patrick Henry Breslin, leading troops from the 4th U.S. Infantry, established Camp Augur in what is now present-day Lander, Wyoming. The location was strategically chosen to serve a dual purpose: to protect the newly created Shoshone reservation and to provide security for the settlers who were flocking to the Sweetwater Mining District. The Shoshone reservation had been established in 1868, a year prior to the founding of Camp Augur, as part of the U.S. government’s policy of confining Native American tribes to designated areas. The Sweetwater Mining District, on the other hand, was experiencing a boom in activity as prospectors sought their fortunes in the region’s gold and other mineral deposits. The presence of soldiers at Camp Augur was intended to maintain peace and prevent conflicts between the Shoshone and the miners.
The camp itself was named in honor of Brigadier General Christopher C. Augur, who at the time commanded the Army’s Department of the Platte. General Augur was a prominent figure in the U.S. Army, having served with distinction in the Civil War and later playing a key role in the military’s efforts to control the western territories. Naming the camp after him was a way of acknowledging his authority and emphasizing the importance of the post’s mission. The initial construction of Camp Augur was relatively simple and functional. The post consisted of several log cabins with sod roofs, providing basic shelter for the soldiers stationed there. These cabins were enclosed within a 175-foot by 125-foot perimeter, further fortified by a ditch, creating a defensible position in case of attack. The limited resources and the urgency of establishing a military presence meant that the camp was more of a practical necessity than an elaborate fortress.
However, the story of Camp Augur did not end with its initial establishment. Less than a year later, on March 28, 1870, the post underwent a significant change. It was reorganized as an independent post, meaning it was no longer subordinate to Fort Bridger. More significantly, it was renamed Camp Brown. This change of name was a tribute to Captain Frederick H. Brown, a soldier who had tragically lost his life in the Fetterman Massacre on December 21, 1866. The Fetterman Massacre, also known as the Fetterman Fight, was a devastating defeat for the U.S. Army, in which Captain Brown and his entire command were ambushed and killed by a coalition of Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors. Renaming the camp in his honor served as a reminder of the dangers faced by soldiers in the West and as a mark of respect for Captain Brown’s sacrifice.
The renaming of Camp Augur to Camp Brown marked a shift in the camp’s identity and purpose. While its primary mission remained the protection of the Shoshone reservation and the settlers in the Sweetwater Mining District, the camp now also served as a memorial to a fallen officer and a symbol of the Army’s determination to prevail in the face of adversity. The soldiers stationed at Camp Brown were tasked with upholding the legacy of Captain Brown and maintaining order in a volatile region.
Despite its strategic importance and symbolic significance, Camp Brown’s existence was relatively short-lived. In 1871, just a year after being renamed, the post was abandoned. The reason for this abandonment was the relocation of the Wind River Indian Agency. The Wind River Indian Agency was responsible for administering the Shoshone reservation and overseeing the government’s relations with the tribe. When the agency was moved 15 miles northwest of Lander, onto the Wind River Indian Reservation itself, the need for a military presence at the original location diminished. The fort and the Indian Agency moved together, effectively consolidating government operations in one location. This move rendered Camp Brown redundant, and the decision was made to close it down.
However, the story of the military presence in the Wind River area did not end with the abandonment of Camp Brown. In December 1878, a new fort was established at the location of the relocated Indian Agency. This fort was named Fort Washakie, in honor of Chief Washakie, the renowned leader of the Shoshone tribe. Chief Washakie was a respected figure who played a crucial role in maintaining peace between the Shoshone and the U.S. government. Naming the fort after him was a gesture of goodwill and a recognition of his importance in the region’s history. Fort Washakie went on to become a significant military installation, serving as a base of operations for the U.S. Army’s efforts to control the surrounding area and manage relations with the Shoshone tribe.
Today, little remains of the original Camp Augur, also known as Camp Brown. The log cabins and sod roofs have long since disappeared, and the ditch that once surrounded the camp has been filled in. However, a granite marker stands at the original site in Lander, Wyoming, at 427 Main Street. This marker serves as a reminder of the camp’s existence and its role in the history of the American West. It is a silent testament to the soldiers who served there, the challenges they faced, and the complex relationship between the U.S. government, the settlers, and the Native American tribes.
The story of Camp Augur is a microcosm of the larger narrative of the American West. It is a story of expansion, conflict, and the struggle to establish order in a rapidly changing landscape. While the camp itself may have been short-lived, its legacy lives on in the history books and in the memories of those who study the American West. The granite marker in Lander, Wyoming, is a tangible link to this past, inviting visitors to reflect on the events that shaped the region and the individuals who played a part in its story.