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

Guardhouse

1850 – 1868

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 2, 2015

1. Guardhouse Marker

Inscription.
The remains of the first guardhouse constructed in 1850, at Fort Laramie were discovered by workmen in 1960 during restoration of the “new” guardhouse. This site is a good example of the structural changes that occurred during the forts forty-one year military history. Old buildings were torn down and new ones erected, sometimes directly over old remains. The tiny cells below were only five feet in height and length and were usually reserved for “mill birds” or repeat offenders. Solitary confinement for two weeks on a daily ration of bread and water was not an unusual punishment. This original guardhouse was torn down in 1868.

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.

Location. 42° 12.149′ N, 104° 33.412′ W. Marker is in Fort Laramie, Wyoming, in Goshen County. Marker can be reached from State Highway 160, on the left when traveling west. Marker is located at Fort Laramie National Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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 “New” Guardhouse and Adjacent Barracks (within shouting distance of this marker); General Sink (Latrine) (within shouting

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distance of this marker); The Queens of Soap Suds Row (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Army Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Parade Ground (within shouting distance of this marker); Embassy on the Northern Plains (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Infantry Barracks (about 300 feet away); “Officers Row” (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Laramie.

Also see . . . Fort Laramie National Historic Site. (Submitted on August 10, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 2, 2015

2. Guardhouse Marker

Marker at Fort Laramie image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 2, 2015

3. Marker at Fort Laramie

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 10, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 322 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 10, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.