Fort Washakie, Wyoming
Nestled in the heart of Wyoming, approximately 17 miles northwest of Lander, along the scenic US Highway 287, lies the historic locale of Fort Washakie. This site, rich in history and cultural significance, stands as a testament to the intertwined stories of the U.S. Army and the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes. Today, it serves as a poignant reminder of the complex relationships forged in the American West and a vital center for the Wind River Indian Reservation.
The story of Fort Washakie begins in 1869 when it was initially established as Camp Augur, a sub-post of the larger and more established Fort Bridger. On June 28th, Lieutenant Patrick Henry Breslin, leading troops from the 4th U.S. Infantry, selected a strategic location near present-day Lander to establish the camp. Its primary purpose was to maintain peace and order in the region, particularly amidst increasing tensions between settlers and the indigenous population.
However, the initial location proved less than ideal. In 1871, Camp Augur was relocated approximately 15 miles northwest of Lander, placing it directly on the Wind River Indian Reservation. This move signaled a shift in the post’s role, emphasizing its presence as a stabilizing force within the reservation boundaries. Prior to the move, on March 28, 1870, the post was reorganized as a separate entity and rechristened Camp Brown. This renaming honored Captain Frederick H. Brown, a fallen officer who tragically lost his life during the Fetterman Massacre, a devastating defeat for the U.S. Army at the hands of the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors.
Despite the change in name, the location retained the title Camp Brown for several years. It wasn’t until December 1878 that the post received its current and more enduring moniker: Fort Washakie. This name was a tribute to Chief Washakie, the highly respected and influential leader of the Eastern Shoshone tribe. Chief Washakie was known for his diplomatic skills and his ability to navigate the turbulent political landscape of the time, often advocating for peaceful coexistence between his people and the encroaching settlers. Honoring him with the fort’s name was a gesture of respect and recognition of his significant contributions to the region.
For several decades, Fort Washakie served as an active military post. From its strategic location on the Wind River Indian Reservation, the fort played a critical role in maintaining peace, mediating disputes, and administering government policies related to the Shoshone and Arapaho tribes. Soldiers stationed at Fort Washakie were responsible for enforcing treaties, preventing unauthorized settlement on reservation lands, and providing assistance to the tribes in various areas, including agriculture and education.
The fort’s physical layout gradually evolved over time, reflecting its changing role and the needs of its occupants. Barracks were constructed to house the soldiers, along with officers’ quarters, a hospital, a guardhouse, and various support buildings, such as stables, workshops, and storage facilities. These structures, built primarily of local materials like timber and stone, provided a functional and secure environment for the military personnel stationed at the post.
As the frontier era drew to a close and the relationship between the U.S. government and the Native American tribes underwent significant transformations, the need for a large military presence on the Wind River Indian Reservation diminished. In 1909, Fort Washakie was officially decommissioned as an active military post. The fort was then transferred to the Shoshone tribe in 1913, marking a new chapter in its history.
Today, Fort Washakie stands as a living testament to the past, a place where the echoes of history resonate through its preserved buildings and landscapes. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its exceptional historical significance and ensuring its preservation for future generations. Many of the original buildings have been carefully maintained, offering visitors a glimpse into the daily lives of the soldiers and civilians who once called the fort home.
The Wind River Indian Reservation continues to utilize some of the buildings, adapting them for modern purposes while preserving their historical integrity. The fort serves as a cultural and administrative center for the Shoshone and Arapaho tribes, providing a space for community gatherings, educational programs, and cultural events.
Beyond its historical and cultural significance, Fort Washakie holds a special place in the hearts of many due to its association with two iconic figures from the American West: Chief Washakie and Sacagawea. The fort is known as the final resting place of Chief Washakie, the esteemed leader of the Eastern Shoshone. His grave site is a place of reverence and remembrance, where visitors can pay their respects to a man who dedicated his life to the well-being of his people.
Furthermore, Fort Washakie is believed by many to be the final resting place of Sacagawea, the Shoshone woman who played an indispensable role in the success of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. As a guide and interpreter, Sacagawea helped the expedition navigate unfamiliar terrain, establish relationships with Native American tribes, and ultimately achieve its goal of mapping a route to the Pacific Ocean. While the exact location of her grave remains a subject of debate, the Shoshone Tribal Cemetery at Fort Washakie is widely considered to be her final resting place. A statue dedicated to Sacagawea stands in the cemetery, honoring her contributions to American history.
The Wind River Indian Reservation, where Fort Washakie is located, is home to approximately 3,500 members of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe and 7,000 members of the Northern Arapaho Tribe. These two distinct tribes share a common land base but maintain their unique cultures, languages, and traditions. The reservation encompasses a vast and diverse landscape, ranging from rolling plains to rugged mountains, providing a rich natural resource base for its inhabitants.
Visitors to Fort Washakie have the opportunity to learn about the history of the fort, the lives of Chief Washakie and Sacagawea, and the cultures of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes. The Shoshone Tribal Cultural Center, located in Fort Washakie, offers exhibits, demonstrations, and educational programs that provide insights into the traditions, art, and history of the Shoshone people. The center is a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the complex and often overlooked stories of Native Americans in the American West.