Fort Bridger in Uinta County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
The Post Trader
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 to the Rocky Mountain West, though of different nature, compare with those of James Bridger.
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. 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. 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 Trader’s 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.
More about this marker. This marker is located on the grounds of Fort Bridger Historic Site. Obtain a map at the entrance or museum.
Also see . . . Carter, William A. (William Alexander), 1818-1881 - Social Network and Archival Context. William A. Carter, born in Virginia, a soldier and sutler in Florida during the Seminole wars, later a Missouri settler and an 1850 overland emigrant to California, came to Fort Bridger in 1857 with the Utah Expedition, remaining the rest of his life as sutler and post trader. At Fort Bridger, in addition to his business as a trader provisioning emigrants traveling overland, Carter was active in mining, lumbering, and ranching. He also served in a number of public offices, including that of Probate Judge, and unsuccessfully solicited an appointment as Wyoming Territory's first governor. After his death in 1881, and until 1890, the business was carried on by his widow, Mary E. Carter, and their children. (Submitted on November 18, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 2, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 18, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 314 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 18, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.