News Release

“Champagne & Beaver Pelts: The Birth of Fort Laramie’s Fur Trade Era”

Two people dressed as fur trappers at Fort Laramie NHS

NPS

News Release Date: July 29, 2026

Contact: Fort Laramie National Historic Site Visitor Center, 307-837-2221

Fort Laramie National Historic Site Celebrates the 1830s Fur Trade: Special Event July 31 (afternoon)–August 1, 2026

Fort Laramie, Wyoming. Fort Laramie National Historic Site will spotlight the rich history of the 1830s Fur Trade on Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1, 2026. On Friday afternoon, July 31, historians from the American Mountain Men, an organization founded in 1968 and dedicated to telling the stories of fur trappers from the 1830s, will arrive at Fort Laramie National Historic Site. A variety of presentations will be held in the historic weapons demonstration area, north of the park’s visitor center. Please note that presentations and demonstrations may be subject to change or cancellation due to last-minute staffing constraints.

Friday, July 31:

· 1:00 P.M. Justin Beard: No Char Solar Fire Starting.

· 2:00 P.M. Steve Chin: Coffee Roasting.

· 3:00 P.M. Tom Karnuta: What’s in the Bag.

· 4:00 P.M. Plains Indian Sign Talk (Group Participation), hosted by Denny Leonard

· Evening: Fur Trade Story Telling. 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 1:

· 9:00 A.M. Ed Bevers: Runnin Balls.

· 10:00 A.M. Kent Smith: Trade Goods.

· 11:00 A.M. Shane Fox: Spanish Horses Used by Mountain Men and Native Americans.

· 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M.: Lunch

· 1:00 P.M. Doyle Reid: Alfred Jacob Miller Art in the Rocky Mountains.

· 2:00 P.M. Scott Walker: History of Fort William/Fort Laramie.

· 3:00 P.M. Vic Barkin: Firearms Used in the Fur Trade.

· Evening: Early 1800s Music at 8:00 p.m.

For the latest information about the site’s programs and events, call [phone] or visit http://www.nps.gov/fola.