Casper in Natrona County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)

Robert Stuart Cabin Site

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 17, 2015

1. Robert Stuart Cabin Site Marker

Inscription. Approximately eight miles southwest of here, Robert Stuart built the first cabin in the state of Wyoming. The cabin was built in a three day period in early November,1812, at a site on the North Platte River at Bessemer Bend.
Robert Stuart was a member of the John Jacob Astor fur trading company that was under the command of William Price Hunt in 1812. After Astor’s ship, the Tonquin, blew up in the Pacific Ocean and killed the crew, news was sent back to Astor via Robert Stuart. His route would take him over the Rockies from the mouth of the Columbia River to St. Louis.
Stuart’s cabin was built of stone with a buffalo hide roof. According to his diary, it was 8’ wide, 18’ long, and 3’ high. A hole in the center of the hide roof let the smoke escape. Following a visit by Arapahoes and learning of Crow Indians nearby, Stuart and his party abandoned their camp on December 13, 1812. They proceeded to present day Torrington, near the Wyoming-Nebraska border, where they spent the remainder of the winter.

Erected by Natrona County Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Exploration.

Location. 42° 50.174′ N, 106° 22.308′ W. Marker is in Casper, Wyoming, in

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Natrona County. Marker can be reached from Fort Caspar Road, 0.1 miles west of Wyoming Route 258, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4001 Fort Caspar Road, Casper WY 82604, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Indians Of Wyoming (here, next to this marker); Military Explorers (here, next to this marker); Oregon/California/Mormon Trails (here, next to this marker); The Mormons (a few steps from this marker); Richard Bridge and Military Complex (a few steps from this marker); Pony Express (a few steps from this marker); Bridger and Bozeman Trails (a few steps from this marker); Ranching in Wyoming (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Casper.

More about this marker. This marker is part of the Wyoming history walk in Centennial Park, which is adjacent to the Fort Caspar Museum and shares the parking lot.

Additional keywords. The Astorians

Markers on the Wyoming History Walk in Centennial Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 17, 2015

2. Markers on the Wyoming History Walk in Centennial Park

Credits. This page was last revised on January 12, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 19, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 542 times since then and 35 times this year. Last updated on January 12, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 19, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.