Fort Bridger in Uinta County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
Fort Bridger: A Trading Post
The establishment of Fort Bridger played a major role in defining this transition. It has been credited with being the first fort west of the Mississippi River that was built specifically to provide services to the emigrants. Even though the first two locations Jim Bridger tried were not successful, this one was destined to flourish. In fact, this location has been steadily occupied and re-occupied from Bridger's time to the present.
The Sill Log
The present log segments that you can see just inside the Mormon Wall foundation are all that remains of the trading post operated by Jim Bridger and his partner Louis Vasquez. The fort was built of logs and daubed with mud and was described by some emigrants as "a shabby concern."
"I have established a small fort with a blacksmith shop and a supply of iron in the road of the emigrants on Black Fork of Green River, which promises fairly. In coming out here they are generally well supplied with money, but by the time they get here they are in need of all kinds of supplies, horses, provisions, smith work, etc." -- From a letter dictated by Jim Bridger to Pierre Choteau Jr., December 1843
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1843.
Location. 41° 19.056′ N, 110° 23.586′ W. Marker is in Fort Bridger, Wyoming, in Uinta County. Marker can be reached from Business U.S. 80 near Main Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Bridger WY 82933, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mormon Occupation (a few steps from this marker); Women at the Trading Post (a few steps from this marker); The Mormon Wall (within shouting distance of this marker); Post Commissary (within shouting distance of this marker); Infantry Barracks (Museum) (within shouting distance of this marker); Digging Up the Past (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Guardhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); The Road to Zion (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Bridger.
More about this marker. This marker is located on the grounds of Fort Bridger Historic Site near the museum. Obtain a map at the entrance or museum.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 15, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 402 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 15, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.