Last updated: March 12, 2024
Place
Fort Bridger State Historic Site
Quick Facts
Location:
Fort Bridger, Wyoming
Significance:
Vital resupply point for wagon trains on the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails
Designation:
Wyoming State Historic Site
Amenities
5 listed
Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Restroom, Water - Drinking/Potable
A map of Passport and Places to Go locations for National Historic Trails.
Jim Bridger established Fort Bridger in 1843 as a fur trading post. It was composed of two double-log houses about 40 feet long that were joined by a pen for horses. The fort soon became a vital resupply point for wagon trains on the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails and expanded in size. In 1857, during the Utah War, Mormons set fire to the fort to prevent the U.S. Army from using it. However, the army rebuilt the fort a year later and used it as a military post until 1890. In the 1860s, it also served as a Pony Express station.
Today's Fort Bridger State Park contains 37 acres of grounds, 27 historic structures, and four historic replica structures. The park offers self-guided tours of the fort, living history demonstrations, open archeological excavations, museum exhibits, and a civilian cemetery.
Site Information
Location (Fort Bridger, Wyoming)