Fort Bridger in Uinta County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
The Post Trader
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 10, 2015
1. The Post Trader Marker
The buildings in this area are virtually all that remain of the once thriving commercial empire of Judge William Alexander Carter and his wife Mary, Fort Bridger's only two Post Traders. Carter arrived at Fort Bridger with Colonel Albert S. Johnston's Army in 1857 and soon received the appointment as Post Trader. Selling to soldiers, emigrants, railroad builders, cattlemen, settlers, and Indians, William Carter amassed a fortune and became one of Wyoming Territory's most influencial citizens. His interests extended into lumbering, agriculture, livestock, mining, and politics. Carter's 'Bug" brand was known on cattle ranges of four states. Carter County, Dakota Territory (antedating Wyoming Territory) was named for him as was Carter Mountain in northern Wyoming. The Carters entertained such notables as President Chester A. Arthur, James Bridger, Chief Washakie, Mark Twain, Jay Gould, Sidney Dillon, Generals Sherman, Harney, Crook, Augur and Bisbee.
After William's death on November 7, 1881, Mary E. Carter assumed her husband's position and carried on the empire he began in 1857. With Fort Bridger's abandonment in 1890, Mary became the caretaker until the government auctioned off the buildings in 1895. The Carter family maintained the family business through the early Twentieth Century. Judge and Mrs. Carter's contributions
this page online
Erected by Lions Club, Lyman, WY.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #21 Chester A. Arthur series list.
Location. 41° 19.102′ N, 110° 23.389′ W. Marker is in Fort Bridger, Wyoming, in Uinta County. It 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.
Regionally, this marker is in Wyoming’s Uinta Mountains and in the Westward Expansion Trails Region. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Post Trader's Store (here, next to this marker); Fort Bridger (a few steps from this marker); Ice House, Warehouse and Mess Hall (a few steps from this marker); School House, Milk House & Wash House (within shouting distance of this marker); The First School House in Wyoming (within shouting distance of this marker); Post Traders House (within shouting distance of this marker); Carriage House, Stables and Chicken Coop (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.
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 10, 2015
2. The Post Trader Marker
This marker is on the left.
