Fort Fetterman State Historic Site
c/o Ft. Phil Kearny State Historic Site
752 Hwy. 93
Douglas, WY 82633
Office Phone: 307-684-7629
Bob Wilson, Superintendent State Parks/Historic Sites HQ
Phone: 307-777-6323 or sphs@state.wy.us
A restored officer's quarters and an ordinance warehouse are original buildings. They stand among the many visible foundations of the fort and Fetterman City. These two buildings house interpretive exhibits and artifacts of the Fort's history, Fetterman City, and its Indian predecessors.
The visitor is encouraged to walk the grounds where interpretive signs describe the fort's buildings and activities. These two buildings house maps, drawings, photographs, artifacts, and dioramas which interpret the history of the Indians, Military, and Civilians of Fort Fetterman and Fetterman City. The visitor is encouraged to walk the interpretive trail where signs describe the historic site and lead to a gazebo overlooking Crook’s Camp and the Indian Country to the north. The site provides several picnic areas and a shelter for group or individual use. Historic guided tours are available upon request and by appointment by calling Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site (307) 684-7629.
Camping is allowed at Fort Fetterman. Please call Park Headquarters at 358-2864 to make your reservations.
History
Located north of Douglas, Wyoming, Fort Fetterman is situated on a plateau above the valleys of LaPrele Creek and the North Platte River. It was established as a military post on July 19, 1867, because of conditions that existed on the Northern Plains at the close of the Civil War. Civilization was advancing across the frontier along the line of the Union Pacific Railroad and the fort was needed as a major supply point for the army operating against the Indians. On July 31, 1867, the post was named Fort Fetterman in honor of Captain William J. Fetterman who was killed in a fight with Indians near Fort Phil Kearny, December 21, 1866. Major William McEnery Dye, with Companies A, C, H, and I, 4th Infantry, was assigned to build the post.
In November of 1867, Brigadier General H.W. Wessells became commanding officer at the fort. The garrison managed to get through the winter and the fort continued to grow and develop until 1870, it was well established, and destined to play a conspicuous part in the Indians wars for the next few years. Jim Bridger, Wild Bill Hickock, Calamity Jane and "Buffalo Bill" Cody were among the colorful personalities of the time whose activities and travels took them frequently to Fort Fetterman.
In accordance with the Treaty of 1868, Forts Reno, Phil Kearny, and C.F. Smith, along the Bozeman Trail were abandoned. Fort Fetterman, alone, remained on the fringe of the disputed area. As an outpost of civilization on the Western frontier, the fort represented protection and a haven to travelers. Fort Fetterman was always considered a hardship post by officers and men who were stationed there.
During the mid-1870s, Fort Fetterman reached its pinnacle of importance when it became the jumping-off place for several major military expeditions. It was the base for three of General George Crook's Powder River Expeditions and Colonel Randall Mackenzie's campaign against Dull Knife and the Cheyenne Indians. These events contributed to the end of the resistance by the Plains Indians who shortly after were confined to reservations. With the passing of Indians from the scene, the fort had outlived its usefulness.
When the military abandoned the fort in 1882, it did not die immediately. A community grew up at the post and after 1882, it was an outfitting point for area ranchers and for wagon trains. The boom was short-lived, however, and in 1886, the town of Douglas was founded a short distance to the south. The old fort, in a state of decay, lost out as a town and declined rapidly. Most of the buildings were sold, dismantled or moved to other locations.
Operating Hours & Fees
Season/Closures: site grounds open year round, weather permitting
Hours: sunrise to sunset
Park/Site Features and/or Visitor Use Improvements: markers, monument, trails
Restrictions: no overnight parking; basic rules & regulations
Fees: none
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