Fort Bernard, Wyoming
Nestled along the historic Oregon Trail, approximately eight miles southeast of what would become Fort Laramie (originally Fort John), lay Fort Bernard, Wyoming. This unassuming trading post, situated on the banks of the North Platte River, played a significant role in the westward expansion and the complex interactions between settlers, Native American tribes, and the burgeoning fur trade of the mid-19th century. Its story is one of ambition, rivalry, and ultimately, destruction and rebirth.
The story of Fort Bernard begins with a previous, short-lived venture. In 1837, Peter Sarpy established a trading post at a location known as Sarpy’s Point. However, this initial effort proved unsustainable. It wasn’t until 1845 that the site gained renewed prominence. Bernard Pratte and Jean Pierre Cabanne, prominent figures in the fur trade, through their Pratte & Cabanne Company, recognized the strategic value of the location. They had previously operated Fort Platte from 1843 to 1845, positioned to the west of Fort John. However, in 1845, they made a calculated decision to relocate their operations. Understanding the potential of the Oregon Trail, they enlisted Joseph Bissonette to establish a new post to the east of Fort John, aiming to intercept and attract the stream of travelers heading westward before they reached the established Fort John.
The new establishment was christened Fort Bernard, Wyoming, a name derived either from the owner, Bernard Pratte himself, or in honor of his father, General Bernard Pratte, who himself had a distinguished career as a fur trader. This seemingly simple act of naming speaks volumes about the legacy and ambition that fueled the post’s creation.
In December 1845, ownership of Fort Bernard, Wyoming, changed hands. Pierre Chouteau, Jr. and Company acquired the post, entrusting its management to Joseph Bissonette and another experienced trader, John Baptiste Richard, Sr. This division of labor saw Richard managing the day-to-day operations of the fort, while Bissonette took on the crucial role of engaging with and trading among the various Native American tribes in their camps. Reflecting Richard’s involvement, the fort also became known locally as Richard’s Post. The dual nomenclature highlights the fort’s multifaceted role as both a commercial hub for emigrants and a vital link in the fur trade network with indigenous populations.
The presence of Fort Bernard, Wyoming, proved to be a thorn in the side of the powerful American Fur Company, which controlled Fort John. The rivalry extended beyond mere proximity. Fort Bernard, Wyoming, engaged in aggressive pricing strategies, undercutting its competitor by as much as 30-40% on certain goods. This competitive edge, coupled with its location on the Trappers’ Trail, which provided a direct link to Bent’s Fort in Colorado, further solidified Fort Bernard’s position as a formidable competitor. This strategic advantage allowed it to siphon off trade and resources, much to the chagrin of the American Fur Company.
The year 1846 saw a significant, albeit tragic, event connected to Fort Bernard, Wyoming. On June 26th, the ill-fated Donner Party, along with members of the William Henry Russell party, arrived at the trading post. This weary group, embarking on their journey west, unknowingly stood on the precipice of disaster. The following day, a chance encounter occurred that would forever link Fort Bernard to one of the most harrowing tales of the American West. James Clyman, a seasoned mountain man with extensive experience in the fur trade, encountered James Reed. The two men had previously served together in the Black Hawk War. Reed, holding a copy of Hastings’ Guide, a popular guidebook for westward travelers, received a dire warning from Clyman. Clyman, having just traversed the route ahead with Hastings himself, cautioned Reed and the Donner brothers to "stick to the main road." Sadly, Reed disregarded Clyman’s advice, a decision that ultimately contributed to the horrific fate of the Donner Party. This pivotal moment underscores the role of Fort Bernard as a point of contact, a place where information and warnings could be exchanged, albeit sometimes to no avail.
Tragedy struck Fort Bernard, Wyoming, in August 1846. While John Richard was away in Pueblo, Colorado, procuring supplies, and Joseph Bissonette was engaged in trade with Native American villages, the fort was consumed by fire, reduced to ashes. Suspicion immediately fell upon the men of the rival Fort John, fueled by the intense competition and animosity between the two establishments. However, despite the strong suspicion, no definitive proof ever emerged to confirm the theory of arson. The destruction of Fort Bernard, Wyoming, represented a significant setback, leaving a void in the trading landscape and raising questions about its future.
Despite the devastating fire, the spirit of Fort Bernard, Wyoming, was not extinguished. In 1849, Joseph Bissonette, undeterred by the previous misfortune, formed a new partnership with James Bordeaux and Charles Primeau. Together, they embarked on the ambitious task of rebuilding the trading post on or near the original site of Fort Bernard. The revived establishment, also bearing the name Fort Bernard, stood as a testament to the resilience and determination of its founders. It signaled a renewed commitment to serving the needs of travelers and maintaining trade relationships with Native American tribes.
The shadow of violence fell once again near Fort Bernard, Wyoming, on August 19, 1854. On that fateful day, the Grattan Massacre occurred in close proximity to the trading post. This event, a clash between a small contingent of U.S. soldiers and a group of Lakota Sioux, marked the beginning of three and a half decades of intermittent warfare between the U.S. government and Native American tribes on the Northern Plains. The Grattan Massacre, a direct consequence of escalating tensions and misunderstandings, cast a dark cloud over the region and further complicated the already fraught relationship between settlers and indigenous populations.
The rebuilt Fort Bernard, Wyoming, continued to operate successfully for several years. However, its fate was ultimately sealed in 1866, when it was once again ravaged by fire. This time, the destruction proved to be permanent. The post was never rebuilt, marking the end of an era for this once-important trading center on the Oregon Trail. The reasons for the second fire remain shrouded in mystery, leaving unanswered questions about the true circumstances surrounding its demise.
Today, the site of Fort Bernard, Wyoming, is under the purview of the Western History Center, based in Lingle, Wyoming. Archaeological work is ongoing at the site, seeking to uncover further details about the fort’s history, its inhabitants, and its role in the development of the American West. These archaeological efforts represent a vital link to the past, allowing researchers to piece together the fragmented story of Fort Bernard and to preserve its legacy for future generations. The work being done helps to paint a clearer picture of this important site.
The story of Fort Bernard, Wyoming, is a microcosm of the larger narrative of the American West. It is a story of ambition, competition, conflict, and resilience. It serves as a reminder of the complex and often turbulent interactions between settlers, Native American tribes, and the forces of commerce that shaped the landscape and the destiny of this region. While the physical structure of Fort Bernard may be gone, its story continues to resonate, offering valuable insights into a pivotal period in American history.