Old Bedlam

Old Bedlam shortly after its most recent extensive renovation and restoration.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Fort Laramie, WY

Amenities

6 listed

Accessible Rooms, Audio Description, Benches/Seating, Cellular Signal, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Wheelchair Accessible

Built in 1849, Old Bedlam is the oldest standing structure in Wyoming. Old Bedlam served many purposes for the Army at Fort Laramie, including Post Headquarters, Administration building, and as the bachelors officers quarters. Evening parties were often hosted in this building, from which the noise reminded people of the Old Bedlam Insane Asylum in England. The bottom north quarter of Bedlam is refurbished to represent the mid 1850s, the south bottom is refurbished to the late Civil War years when Fort Laramie was home to the 11th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. The upstairs portion directly above represents the housing for Colonel William O. Collins who served as commander of Fort Laramie during his tenure here.