Fort John
Fort John, constructed in 1841, replaced Fort William, the original wooden
stockade fort. Part of the impetus for its construction was competition
from Fort Platte, built by a rival fur company less than two miles away.
Constructed of adobe brick, Fort John stood on a bluff overlooking the
Laramie River. It was named for John Sarpy, a partner in the American Fur
Company, but was more commonly called Fort Laramie
by employees and travelers.
The business of the fort was the Buffalo Robe Trade with local indian tribes.
However, soon after the fort's completion, emigrants heading West began to use
the fort as a stopping place for rest and resupply. By 1849, the press of
increasing immigration resulted in the sale of the fort to the Army. With the
arrival of Company E of the First Regiment of Mounted Riflemen, the army's 41
year history at Fort Laramie began.
