Fort Bridger in Uinta County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
Grave of Thornburgh, the Dog
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 10, 2015
1. Grave of Thornburgh, the Dog Marker
As a pup, Thornburgh was found by soldiers and named in honor of Major T.T. Thornburgh who was killed by Indians in 1879. The dog earned himself a place of respect over the years and is credited with several heroic deed. They include the capture of a commissary thief during which he received a stab wound; warning soldiers of approaching Indians, thus preventing theft or stampeding of their horses and mules; saving a young boy from drowning; and preventing one man from killing another by intercepting his knife wielding arm.
Although Thornburgh had several benefactors on frontier army posts, he did not have a true 'master' until civilian mule-skinner, Buck' Buchanan came to work at Fort Bridger and took a personal interest in the dog. It did not take long for the two to become inseparable friends. In 1888, when a fatal kick from one of Buck's mules ended Thornburgh's life, Buck buried him nearby and had a special tombstone carved which still testifies to the strong bond that developed between man and dog.
Died
Sept 27, 1888
Man never had a better,
truer, braver friend.
Sleep on old fellow,
We'll meet "Across the Range."
Erected by Fort Bridger Historical Association
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Animals. A significant historical date for this entry is September 27, 1888.
Location. 41° 19.13′ N, 110° 23.436′ 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. "Thornburgh" was a dog… (here, next to this marker); Carriage House, Stables and Chicken Coop (within shouting distance of this marker); Post Trader’s House (within shouting distance of this marker); The First School House in Wyoming (within shouting distance of this marker); Officer's Quarters and Enlisted Men's Barracks (within shouting distance of this marker); School House, Milk House & Wash House (within shouting distance of this marker); Ice House, Warehouse and Mess Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Officer's Quarters (log) (within shouting distance of this marker). 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. Obtain a map at the entrance or museum.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 10, 2015
2. Grave of Thornburgh, the Dog Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 6, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 16, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 511 times since then and 87 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 16, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
