Fort Sanders, Wyoming
Nestled in the expansive landscape of southern Wyoming, near the present-day city of Laramie, stands the enduring, albeit diminished, legacy of Fort Sanders. Established in 1866, this military outpost played a pivotal role in safeguarding the burgeoning trails and infrastructure of the American West. This article explores the history of Fort Sanders, Wyoming, from its initial purpose to its eventual abandonment, and its lasting impact on the region.
Originally christened Fort John Buford, the installation was strategically positioned to protect the vital traffic traversing the Overland Trail. This trail served as a crucial artery for westward expansion, carrying settlers, supplies, and communication across the vast plains. The fort’s initial design comprised a series of wooden buildings, meticulously constructed to house four companies of soldiers. A central parade ground provided a space for drills, ceremonies, and the daily routines of military life.
The fort’s name was soon changed to Fort Sanders, Wyoming, in honor of General William P. Sanders, a Union officer who bravely lost his life during the Siege of Knoxville during the tumultuous American Civil War. This renaming served as a tribute to his sacrifice and a symbol of the Union’s presence in the expanding territories. The troops stationed at Fort Sanders, Wyoming, were not only tasked with protecting the Overland Trail but also extended their protection to emigrants navigating the Lodgepole Trail and securing the Denver and Salt Lake stage line, ensuring safe passage for travelers and communication across the region.
As the West continued to develop, Fort Sanders, Wyoming assumed additional responsibilities. In 1868, the fort’s mission expanded to encompass the protection of the workers involved in the monumental undertaking of the Union Pacific Railroad construction. The railway was critical to transcontinental travel and trade. To accommodate the increased number of troops required for this expanded role, the wooden barracks at Fort Sanders, Wyoming, were enlarged to house six companies of soldiers, further solidifying its importance as a military hub.
The spring of 1868 also witnessed the establishment of Laramie City, a burgeoning settlement located just three miles north of the Fort Sanders, Wyoming post. This proximity led to the construction of a dedicated guardhouse at the fort. This structure, built of durable stone, served as a symbol of authority and security, overseeing the comings and goings of both military personnel and civilians in the area.
However, the strategic landscape of the West was constantly evolving. The establishment of Fort D.A. Russell in Cheyenne, Wyoming, also in 1868, gradually diminished the importance of Fort Sanders, Wyoming. Fort D.A. Russell, with its larger scale and more strategic location, became the primary military presence in the region. Despite this shift, the War Department maintained Fort Sanders until 1882, recognizing its continued, albeit reduced, value.
In 1882, the decision was made to decommission Fort Sanders. The buildings were sold off, marking the end of its official military function. While the majority of the fort’s structures were dismantled or repurposed, two buildings managed to escape complete demolition and were relocated to the nearby city of Laramie. These surviving structures serve as tangible reminders of the fort’s existence.
One of these buildings, the Commander’s quarters, found a new life in LaBonte Park. For decades, it served as a community center and preschool, providing a space for education, recreation, and social interaction for the residents of Laramie. The other building was transformed into the Cavalrymen Supper Club, a place where people could gather, dine, and perhaps reminisce about the history and legacy of the fort.
Today, the original site of Fort Sanders, Wyoming, bears only a faint resemblance to its former self. All that remains standing is the stone guardhouse, a silent sentinel that has weathered the passage of time. A historic marker, placed just south of Laramie, provides a brief overview of the fort’s history and significance. The guardhouse itself was recognized for its historical value and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
During its 16-year operational period, the troops stationed at Fort Sanders were actively involved in numerous skirmishes with Native American tribes. Records indicate that these troops engaged in 20 major confrontations. Despite the frequent encounters, no full-scale battles occurred on the fort’s immediate grounds. It is also known that some of the men garrisoned at Fort Sanders participated in General George Custer’s ill-fated military campaign of 1876. As such, it is highly probable that some of those who once called Fort Sanders home perished at the infamous Battle of the Little Big Horn.
The story of Fort Sanders, Wyoming, is a microcosm of the larger narrative of the American West. It represents the push for westward expansion, the conflicts with Native American populations, the construction of vital infrastructure, and the eventual transformation of the landscape. While little remains of the fort at its original location, its legacy continues to resonate through the surviving structures, the historical marker, and the memories of those who study and appreciate the history of Wyoming and the American West. The site serves as a poignant reminder of the soldiers, settlers, and events that shaped the region.