Fort Bonneville, Wyoming
Fort Bonneville, Wyoming, stands as a testament to the ambitious, yet ultimately short-lived, endeavors of Captain Benjamin Louis Eulalie de Bonneville. While never officially designated as a U.S. Military outpost, Fort Bonneville represents a significant, albeit fleeting, chapter in the history of the American West. Established in 1832 as a fur trading post, it encapsulates the spirit of exploration, the allure of the fur trade, and the complex interactions between European Americans and Native American tribes during a pivotal era of westward expansion.
The Vision of Captain Bonneville
Benjamin Bonneville, a career officer in the United States Army, harbored a keen interest in the uncharted territories of the Rocky Mountains. Securing an extended leave of absence, Bonneville embarked on an expedition with multiple objectives. His goals extended beyond mere exploration; he sought to delve into the lucrative fur trading business and to meticulously document his observations for the government. This included gathering detailed information on the character, customs, and territories of the various Native American tribes inhabiting the region.
Bonneville’s ambitious venture was financially backed by John Jacob Astor, a prominent figure in the burgeoning American fur trade and the founder of the American Fur Company. In May 1832, Captain Bonneville, accompanied by the experienced frontiersman Joseph Rutherford Walker, set out from Fort Osage, Missouri, with a substantial expedition. The group comprised approximately 110 men, accompanied by a train of around 20 wagons, and a diverse assortment of mules, horses, and cattle.
Journey to the Green River
The expedition followed a well-trodden path utilized by fur traders, heading west along the Platte River and eventually crossing into what is now the state of Wyoming. This ambitious group holds the distinction of being among the first to successfully navigate wheeled vehicles across the formidable South Pass, a crucial gateway through the Continental Divide of the Rocky Mountains. The journey was arduous, testing the resilience of both man and beast as they traversed the rugged terrain.
By August, Bonneville and his party had reached the Green River, a significant waterway in the heart of the fur-trading territory. Aware of the potential threat posed by the Blackfeet Indians, known for their territoriality and hostility towards intruders, Bonneville made the decision to establish a fortified winter camp on the right bank of the Green River. This carefully chosen location was intended to serve as a safe haven for his men, providing protection from potential attacks and the harsh elements of the approaching winter.
Construction and Abandonment
The structure that came to be known as Fort Bonneville was primarily designed for defense. However, it is believed that Bonneville also envisioned it as a permanent fur trading post, a strategic location for conducting business with trappers and Native American tribes. This vision was soon challenged.
Joseph Walker, Bonneville’s trusted second-in-command, voiced his objections to the chosen location and the construction of the fort. He soon departed to locate a group of free trappers operating in the surrounding area. Upon his return, Walker brought news that significantly altered Bonneville’s plans. The trappers informed Bonneville of the severe and unforgiving winters that plagued the Green River Valley. They advised him that the Salmon River area, further to the southwest, offered a more temperate climate and was renowned as a richer trapping ground.
Bonneville, swayed by the trappers’ expertise and the promise of better prospects, was immediately convinced to relocate. However, nature intervened, delivering an unexpected blow in the form of early and heavy snowfalls. The sudden onset of winter forced Bonneville and his men to abandon the partially completed post. They retreated to the southwest, seeking a more hospitable environment to weather the harsh winter months.
"Fort Nonsense" and "Bonneville’s Folly"
The considerable investment of labor and resources in constructing Fort Bonneville, followed by its almost immediate abandonment, led to its derisive nicknames: "Fort Nonsense" and "Bonneville’s Folly". These labels reflect the perception that Bonneville’s endeavor was a miscalculated and ultimately futile effort.
Historical accounts describe Fort Bonneville as a relatively modest structure. Some sources suggest it was a stockade approximately 100 feet square, featuring two blockhouses strategically positioned in diagonal corners to provide enhanced defensive capabilities. Other accounts depict it as little more than a rudimentary collection of small, simple log huts. Regardless of the precise details of its construction, the fort’s physical presence was fleeting and its impact on the region was limited.
The Green River Rendezvous
Despite its short-lived occupation, Fort Bonneville played a role in the annual gathering known as "The Green River Rendezvous" in 1835. This rendezvous served as a vital hub for fur traders, trappers, and Native American tribes to converge, exchange goods, and conduct business. Fort Bonneville provided a convenient and secure location for this important event, briefly elevating its significance in the region’s economic and social landscape. Fur traders continued to utilize the site until 1839.
A Precursor to Change
Although Fort Bonneville’s existence was brief and its direct impact was minimal, it holds a certain significance in the broader context of the fur trade era. Bonneville’s post represented one of the first attempts to establish a fixed trading post in the region, foreshadowing a shift away from the nomadic lifestyle of individual trappers and towards a more organized and permanent system of trade. In this sense, Fort Bonneville served as a precursor to the establishment of more substantial and enduring trading posts that would eventually dot the landscape of the American West.
Legacy and Remembrance
Today, little remains of Fort Bonneville. The physical structure has long since vanished, erased by the passage of time and the relentless forces of nature. However, the site is not entirely forgotten. A boulder, placed by the Daughters of the American Revolution, serves as a tangible reminder of the fort’s existence. Additionally, a Wyoming Historical Marker provides historical context and commemorates the events that transpired at this location. The site is located approximately three miles northwest of the town of Daniel, Wyoming.
In recognition of its historical significance, the site of Fort Bonneville was officially placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. This designation acknowledges the fort’s importance as a representation of the fur trade era and the role it played in the exploration and settlement of the American West. Fort Bonneville, while a "folly" in some respects, remains a valuable piece of Wyoming’s and the nation’s heritage.
The story of Fort Bonneville, Wyoming, offers a glimpse into the challenges and opportunities that defined the American frontier. It highlights the ambition and resourcefulness of individuals like Captain Bonneville, who sought to carve out a place for themselves in the untamed wilderness.
The narrative surrounding Fort Bonneville, Wyoming, also underscores the complex interplay between economic interests, geographical realities, and human adaptability in shaping the course of history. The decision to abandon the fort, driven by the harsh winter conditions and the lure of more promising trapping grounds, serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of frontier life.
Even though it was short-lived, Fort Bonneville, Wyoming, played a pivotal role in shaping the trading industry. It stands as a symbol of the fur trade era and the enduring legacy of exploration and settlement in the American West.
Fort Bonneville, Wyoming stands as a testament to the ambitious, yet ultimately short-lived, endeavors of Captain Benjamin Louis Eulalie de Bonneville.