Fort Fetterman, Wyoming – Base of the Black Hills Campaign
Fort Fetterman, Wyoming, stands as a silent sentinel of a tumultuous era in American history. Established on July 19, 1867, this military outpost played a pivotal role in the campaigns against the northern Plains tribes during the late 1860s and 1870s. Its strategic location on a plateau overlooking the valleys of LaPrele Creek and the North Platte River made it a crucial logistical hub and a symbol of the U.S. Army’s presence in the vast and often unforgiving landscape of the American West. This article delves into the history of Fort Fetterman, Wyoming, its significance, and its enduring legacy.
The establishment of Fort Fetterman, Wyoming, was directly linked to the Bozeman Trail, a controversial route that cut through the heart of Native American territory. Situated approximately 80 miles northwest of Fort Laramie, Fort Fetterman, Wyoming served as an intermediate base, bridging the distance between Fort Laramie and the more northerly Forts Reno, Phil Kearny, and C. F. Smith. These latter forts, established the previous summer, were intended to protect the Bozeman Trail from Native American resistance, but they quickly found themselves under constant siege. The creation of Fort Fetterman aimed to provide a more secure and sustainable supply line, reinforcing the U.S. Army’s presence in the region.
The fort’s namesake, Captain William J. Fetterman, is a figure steeped in tragedy and controversy. Fetterman met his demise on December 21, 1866, in a devastating encounter with Native American warriors near Fort Phil Kearny, an event known as the Fetterman Massacre. On that fateful day, a small Native American war party staged a feigned attack on a wood train en route back to the fort from Piney Island. Captain Fetterman, accompanied by two other officers, 48 infantrymen, 28 cavalrymen, and two civilians – a total of 81 men – were dispatched to relieve the beleaguered train. Despite explicit warnings not to venture beyond Lodge Trail Ridge, where they would lose sight of the fort, Fetterman allowed a small group of warriors to lure his command northward, leading them into a meticulously planned ambush orchestrated by the legendary Red Cloud. Within a mere half-hour, hundreds of Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors descended upon the unsuspecting soldiers, annihilating the entire force. The Fetterman Massacre stands as a stark reminder of the brutal realities of the Indian Wars and the strategic brilliance of Native American resistance.
Major William McEnery Dye spearheaded the construction of Fort Fetterman, leading Companies A, C, H, and I of the 4th Infantry in its establishment. However, by the time Fort Fetterman was officially activated, the Sioux and Cheyenne tribes had effectively shut down traffic along the Bozeman Trail. In 1868, as part of the Fort Laramie Treaty, the U.S. government made concessions to the Native American tribes and abandoned Forts Reno, Phil Kearny, and C. F. Smith. This left Fort Fetterman in a relatively isolated position, but it also elevated its importance as a crucial supply base, headquarters, and staging point for expeditions into the contested Powder River country. The fort became a vital link in the chain of military operations aimed at subjugating the Plains tribes.
Beyond its military function, Fort Fetterman played a significant role in protecting vital transportation routes. The fort provided security for the nearby routes of the Union Pacific Railroad and the Oregon-California Trail, offering a safe haven for travelers venturing westward. While pioneers may have viewed Fort Fetterman as a welcome oasis on the frontier, the officers and troops stationed there often considered it a hardship post, plagued by shortages of supplies and equipment, which had to be laboriously transported from Fort Laramie. Despite its challenges, Fort Fetterman continued to grow and develop, and by 1870, it was a well-established and functioning military installation.
The fort’s remote location and the harsh conditions led to frequent desertions among enlisted men, highlighting the difficult realities of frontier service. Nevertheless, Fort Fetterman attracted a colorful cast of characters, and its history is intertwined with the stories of some of the most famous figures of the Old West. Jim Bridger, Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Buffalo Bill Cody were among the many whose travels frequently brought them to the fort, adding to its legendary status.
Fort Fetterman, Wyoming achieved its greatest prominence as the base of operations for General George Crook’s three major expeditions into the Powder River area in 1876. These campaigns were central to the U.S. Army’s efforts to suppress Native American resistance and force the tribes onto reservations. The first expedition, launched in March, culminated in the Battle of Powder River in Montana. The second, conducted in May and June, resulted in the Battle of the Rosebud, also in Montana. The third expedition, undertaken in November, saw the defeat of Dull Knife’s Cheyenne along the Powder River. These military engagements, combined with other campaigns throughout 1876 and 1877, effectively brought an end to the major Indian Wars with the northern Plains tribes.
With the Native American tribes confined to reservations, the strategic importance of Fort Fetterman diminished. In 1882, the fort was officially abandoned, marking the end of its active military service. The buildings of the old fort and settlement, exposed to the elements and the passage of time, were eventually sold, dismantled, and relocated to other areas.
Despite the closure of the fort, a community known as Fetterman City had sprung up around the post, serving as an outfitting point for local ranchers and wagon trains. The settlement gained a reputation as a lawless and untamed place, reflecting the rough-and-tumble nature of frontier life. However, Fetterman City’s existence was short-lived. In 1886, the town of Douglas was established a short distance to the south, and Fetterman City, like the fort itself, was abandoned.
Today, a portion of the Fort Fetterman site remains in private hands, but the majority is owned by the State of Wyoming, which has transformed it into a State Historical Park. Established in 1962, the park preserves and interprets the history of Fort Fetterman, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience a tangible connection to the American West. Two of the original buildings – a log warehouse and an adobe duplex that served as officers’ quarters – have been preserved and now house a small museum, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the fort and its inhabitants. These structures stand amidst the visible foundations of the fort and Fetterman City, providing a glimpse into the layout and scale of the original settlement.
The park also features an interpretive trail, guiding visitors through the site and highlighting key historical locations and events. Several picnic areas and camping facilities are available, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the frontier and appreciate the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Fort Fetterman State Historic Site is located approximately 11 miles northwest of Douglas, Wyoming, accessible via Highway 93 from Exit 140 off Interstate 25.
In addition to the fort itself, the Fort Fetterman Cemetery stands as a poignant reminder of the lives lost on the frontier. The cemetery contains the graves of soldiers, civilians, and their families, offering a somber reflection on the sacrifices made during this period of American history.
Visiting Fort Fetterman, Wyoming provides a unique opportunity to learn about the complex and often tragic history of the American West. The site serves as a powerful reminder of the clash of cultures, the challenges of frontier life, and the enduring legacy of the Indian Wars. The fort’s strategic importance, its connection to famous figures, and its role in shaping the landscape of the West make it a significant historical site worth exploring.