Officer’s Wives at Fort Laramie

Elizabeth Burt, wife of officer Andrew Burt at Fort Laramie

FOLA Archives

Officer’s wives were often from the states on the east coast. Once married to their husbands, these ladies would follow them across the wild West. They would often move every spring to a different post for changes of station, having to pack up all of their belongings and move further into the unknown. They faced the many perils that came with expanding the western frontier, with the biggest danger being disease, as cholera and dysentery from tainted water were the biggest killers on the trails. Those that did make the long journey and survived were highly respected due to their enduring loyalty and resilience in the face of hardship. Making it through the journey didn't mean that life was easy at the fort. Many homes were in rough shape, with dirt or wood floors that would rot, and the fort was a place of many strong and unpleasant odors.

These ladies were not recognized by the government and were considered “camp followers” under the supervision of the Post Commander. Despite their lack of recognition, these ladies were incredibly proud of their men, and considered themselves as part of the regiment. They learned horseback riding and how to shoot firearms, and undeniably changed the social dynamics of the post with their poise and domesticity.

They brought with them the manners and fashion of the state's Victorian society: elaborate gowns, calling cards, and secret signs with one's parasol, gloves, or fan. Officer's wives employed house servants as well, if they were available. Even when one was available, many wives struggled to find a servant that was to their liking. They originally would seek out attractive women, but were soon discouraged, as the servants would quickly be married and leave their position to care for their husbands’ home. They then asked for the most comely women, but even many of them were quickly married. Servants were hard to come by, and as a result, many wives resorted to hiring enlisted men they would call “strikers". Fellow enlisted men however, referred to them as "dog-robbers”, as they were prohibited from using the officer’s kitchen to make their own food, but were allowed to eat whatever scraps were left over from the family's meal.

Officer's wives spent most of their time caring for their home and children, as well as socializing with other wives. In fact, they would have a certain day of the week dedicated to stopping by other wives’ houses to chat or leave a calling card that would detail who visited and their intentions. Originally this was done with simple corner folds and a signature, but the message would often be confusing as people would mix up the corners. The ladies would also arrange picnics, dances, sewing bees, and other social events to liven up the fort. Wives of officers also had a certain level of power due to their husband’s status. If someone had a request for an officer, they would often go to the wife first in the hopes of gaining a more favorable outcome. Martha Summerhayes, the wife of an officer in the 20th infantry, described life in the west as “glittering misery”, as life was filled with shining brass buttons and eyes filled with pride, as well as the hardships and dangers of such new explorations.