This military post was a welcome site for the pioneers usually being the first sign of civilization in six weeks. Ft. Laramie marked the gateway to the Rocky Mountains. The emigrants were now one-third of the way to the Willamette Valley. Here, they rested and regrouped. Some would give up the dream, turn around and go home. But most made the decision to push ahead. The fort had humble beginnings. In 1834, fur trader William Sublette …showed first 75 words of 465 total…

…showed last 75 words of 465 total…base of operations for the High Plains Indian Wars. From then until 1890 when it was decommissioned, it was the center of military presence on the High Plains. After the Fort was decommissioned, the land and buildings were sold to civilians. -Since 1937 it has been preserved as a National Monument and is maintained by the National Park Service. Sources: Internet http://www.isu.edu/~trinmich/FtLaramie.html Fort Laramie- National Park Service http://www.nps.gov