Last updated: October 8, 2022
Place
Bessemer Bend National Historic Site
Photo/Bureau of Land Management
Quick Facts
Location:
south of Casper, Wyoming
Significance:
One of the places where travelers forded the North Platte River
Designation:
National Historic Site
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
3 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Picnic Table, Restroom
A map of Passport and Places to Go locations for National Historic Trails.
Bessemer Bend National Historic Site , also known as Red Buttes Crossing, is one of the places where travelers forded the North Platte River, then 300 yards wide, for the last time and started the push toward the Sweetwater River. This crossing was used mostly in the early years of the emigration. After 1847, ferries were available between Casper and Glenrock (Deer Creek). The Red Buttes Pony Express station and an Overland Stage station also were located in this vicinity. Wayside exhibits along a short interpretive trail at this Bureau of Land Management site tell the story. While visiting the site, look towards the east to see the Red Buttes, the noted emigrant-era landmark that gave the crossing its name.
Site Information
Location (south of Casper, Wyoming)
Directions
Travel 8.1 miles south of Casper from CY Ave./Wyoming Blvd. intersection on WYO-220, turn right and take the Bessemer Bend Road west for 2.1 miles to the bridge.
Available Facilities
There is a Bureau of Land Management interpretive site at the crossing. This site has a parking area, picnic tables, a vault toilet and an interpretive trail. It is a non-fee area and is ADA accessible.