Images of Fort Laramie National Historic Site – Eastern Wyoming, taken in September 2017.

In 1849 the US Army bought the land where a traders’ fort had been established and Fort John became Fort Laramie. Along with its military charge, Fort Laramie’s mission was as a supply, transportation and communications hub. The fort was a prominent outpost for over 40 years until the end of the Indian Wars after which it was sold off at public auction.

Many of the buildings were taken apart for use in other areas while some were occupied by homesteaders for many years. Since, several public agencies restored and refurbished many of the buildings including “Old Bedlam” the bachelor officers’ quarters (1849) which is also Wyoming’s oldest documented building. Similarly restored were the Lieutenant Colonel’s Quarters (Burt House, 1884) and home of Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Burt who, interestingly enough, is responsible for suggesting the use of the “strike” sign that Major League Baseball umpires use today.