Green Mountain Club Headquarters | Stowe

Fort Laramie Historic Site is a former military post located near Torrington, Wyoming.

Visual Characteristics

The site features reconstructed buildings constructed from adobe and wood. Original structures are represented by foundations and interpretive displays. The landscape is characterized by open plains with sparse vegetation.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is situated approximately 3 miles west of the town of Laramie, Wyoming, accessible via U.S. Route 26. Parking is available on-site. No public transport directly serves the historic site.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Established in 1834 as a fur trading post by William Sublette and Robert Campbell, Fort Laramie later became a U.S. Army military post in 1849. It served as a critical resupply point and protection for emigrants on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. The site is located on the high plains of Wyoming, an arid grassland ecosystem.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore reconstructed buildings including the barracks, officers' quarters, and sutler's store. Interpretive exhibits detail the fort's role in westward expansion and Native American relations. Walking tours of the grounds are available.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on-site. Limited shade is provided by the reconstructed buildings. Cell phone signal is generally weak to non-existent within the historic site itself. No food vendors are present at the site; facilities are available in nearby Torrington.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for photography is during the morning or late afternoon when the sun angle provides shadow contrast on the structures. The months of May through September offer the most favorable weather conditions, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 60-80°F (15-27°C).

Facts & Legends

Fort Laramie is known as the "Star of the West" and played a significant role in the signing of the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851, which aimed to establish peace between Native American tribes and the U.S. government. A specific tip for visitors is to look for the original well, which is still visible on the grounds.

Nearby Landmarks

• Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum (0.5km East)
• Cottonwood Creek Recreation Area (3km South)
• Torrington Municipal Airport (5km West)