Near Fort Laramie in Goshen County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)

Old Bedlam

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 22, 2014

1. Old Bedlam Marker

Captions: (left side, top to bottom) Group on porch of “Old Bedlam.” 1864.; Drawing of Fort Laramie, 1863.; “Old Bedlam” before restoration.

Inscription. This graceful old structure, built in 1849, is the oldest standing building in Wyoming. It was nicknamed “Old Bedlam” because of boisterous sounds supposedly heard while it was occupied by bachelor officiers.

Shown in an 1889 photograph, “Old Bedlam” is generally regarded as the Bachelor Officiers Quarters. However, the left half was used as Post Headquarters and Commanders Apartment in the 1860’s and, at various times, the building was occupied by married officiers.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.

Location. 42° 12.211′ N, 104° 33.457′ W. Marker is near Fort Laramie, Wyoming, in Goshen County. Marker can be reached from Gray Rocks Road near Wyoming Highway 160. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 965 Gray Rocks Road, Fort Laramie WY 82212, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Sutler’s Store (a few steps from this marker); “Officers Row” (within shouting distance of this marker); The Pony Express (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Pony Express (within shouting distance of this marker); Transcontinental Telegraph (within shouting distance of this marker);

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

Fort Laramie (within shouting distance of this marker); Infantry Barracks (within shouting distance of this marker); Magazine (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Laramie.

More about this marker. This marker is at the Fort Laramie National Historic Site.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 22, 2014

2. Old Bedlam Marker

"Old Bedlam" barracks image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 22, 2014

3. "Old Bedlam" barracks

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 22, 2014

4. "Old Bedlam" barracks

Inside Old Bedlam image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 2, 2015

5. Inside Old Bedlam

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 2, 2015

6. Inside Old Bedlam

Fort Laramie, Old Bedlam, Fort Laramie, Goshen County, WY image. Click for full size.

1939

7. Fort Laramie, Old Bedlam, Fort Laramie, Goshen County, WY

Prior to restoration. Similar, if not identical, to the photo on the marker. Photo courtesy of the Historic American Buildings Survey.

"Old Bedlam" - Post-Restoration image. Click for full size.

8. "Old Bedlam" - Post-Restoration

Post-restoration the building had a historical marker in front of it. Only the top two lines are legible:Officer's Quarters; "Old Bedlam"

Credits. This page was last revised on October 23, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 20, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 675 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 20, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 5, 6. submitted on August 11, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 7, 8. submitted on December 23, 2014. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.