Before the Cheyenne and Northern Railway came to Wheatland, Wyoming, the area was an arid landscape. In 1883, irrigation from the Bluegrass Creek brought farmers and settlers to work and live on the land. As emigrants passed through and more people came to settle and work the railroad and land, the history of Wheatland grew. Learn more about the rich heritage of the area by visiting these three historical sites near Wheatland.
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Fort Laramie Historic Site
One of the most important historical places to visit, Fort Laramie Historic Site, offers a glimpse into the military importance and impact the fort had on the Northern Plains. Built on the confluence of the Laramie and North Platte Rivers, this site served as a trading spot for fur traders. As the fur trade declined in 1834, the site turned into Fort William to help emigrants move safely west.
In 1849, the United States Army bought the fort and renamed it Fort Laramie to help establish a strong military presence as the Indian Wars heated up. In addition to the military post, Fort Laramie was an important stop-over site for emigrants, stage lines, the pony express, and the telegraph system. After the buildings and land were abandoned in the late 1880s, the National Park System purchased them in 1938 to preserve the historical importance of Fort Laramie.
Begin exploring the site with a stop at the visitor’s center to see exhibits and displays. Take a stroll around the grounds to see the buildings, including the barracks, stables, and kitchen. Then, hike the 1.6-mile Confluence Trail to see where the Laramie and North Platte Rivers join. Check the park’s website for current conditions, hours, and visitor policies.
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Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site
See wagon ruts from the 1800s when emigrants left the East to travel the Oregon-California trail to start a new life in the West. Parts of the trail came through the Wheatland area, and you can see the ruts carved in stone at Oregon Trail Ruts State Historic Site. The wagons needed to squeeze through a narrow, rocky gorge, and their wheels cut deep gouges into the rock. To this day, you can clearly see where thousands of wagon wheels passed through the gorge, eventually leaving their mark on history.
Travel 2 miles from the Oregon Trails Ruts State Historic Site to visit Register Cliffs where emigrants carved their names into the soft sandstone. The cliffs became a checkpoint for other emigrants passing through to see if friends or family members had passed by.
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The Laramie Peak Museum
View displays, exhibits, and artifacts from travelers along the Oregon-California trail, soldiers from Fort Laramie, and settlers who stayed in the Wheatland area at The Laramie Peak Museum. See firearms such as muskets, soldiers’ uniforms, household goods, and school desks from the 1880s. The museum receives historical donations from private parties, including fringed buggies, farming equipment, and handmade quilts and clothing from the era. Exhibits and items change regularly, so check back often to see what’s new and interesting.
We hope you enjoy exploring these unique sites near Wheatland to learn more about the rich history of the area.
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